A Harmony of the Gospels for Students of the Life of Christ
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Title: A Harmony of the Gospels for Students of the Life of Christ
Author: A. T. Robertson
John Albert Broadus
Release date: May 29, 2011 [eBook #36264]
Most recently updated: January 7, 2021
Language: English
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/36264
Credits: Produced by Ron Swanson
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS FOR STUDENTS OF THE LIFE OF CHRIST ***
Produced by Ron Swanson
[Frontispiece: PALESTINE in the TIME OF CHRIST]
A HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS FOR STUDENTS OF THE LIFE OF CHRIST
_Based on the Broadus Harmony in the Revised Version_
BY
A. T. ROBERTSON, M.A., D.D., LL.D., LITT.D.
CHAIR OF NEW TESTAMENT INTERPRETATION, SOUTHERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL
SEMINARY, LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
"_Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me._"
HARPER & BROTHERS PUBLISHERS
NEW YORK AND LONDON
COPYRIGHT, 1922,
BY HARPER & BROTHERS
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
TO
ELIZA S. BROADUS
ELDEST DAUGHTER OF JOHN A. BROADUS
AN ELECT LADY BELOVED IN MANY LANDS
PREFACE
It is now just thirty years since one day his young assistant
suggested to Dr. John A. Broadus that he prepare a harmony of the
Gospels that should depart from the old plan of following the feasts
as the turning points in the life of Jesus. He acted on the hint and
led the way that all modern harmonies have followed. The book has gone
through a dozen large editions and has become the standard harmony for
many thousands of students all over the world. Broadus was concerned
to bring out "the inner movements of the history, towards that
long-delayed, but foreseen and inevitable collision, in which, beyond
all other instances, the wrath of man was made to praise God." This he
succeeded in doing with marvelous power.
A generation has passed by and it is meet that the work of Broadus
should be reviewed in the light of modern synoptic criticism and
research into every phase of the life of Christ. So I have made a new
analysis that preserves Broadus's real purpose, but with new sections
and new notes. The notes at the end of the old volume, written by me
for the first edition, have been thoroughly revised and brought up to
date. The Old Testament passages referred to in the Gospels are given
in the text. The Gospel of Mark appears in the first column, then
Matthew, Luke, and John. It is now known that Matthew and Luke made
use of Mark for the framework of their Gospels. This change simplifies
amazingly the unfolding of the narrative.
There is still dispute concerning the historical worth of the Gospel
of John, but the Johannine authorship is not disproved. It still holds
the field in my opinion. Dr. C. F. Burney's theory of an Aramaic
original is already giving a new turn to Johannine criticism.
A harmony of the Gospels cannot meet every phase of modern criticism.
The data are given, as free from bias as circumstances allow, so that
all students can use the book and interpret the facts according to
their various theories. Numerous historical items call for notes of
various kinds that throw light on the passage in question. No effort
is made to reconcile all the divergent statements of various details
in the different Gospels. The differences challenge the student's
interest as much as the correspondences and are natural marks of
individual work. The notes and appendices at the end of the volume are
meant for students who wish help for historical study of the life of
Christ. A harmony cannot give all the aid that one needs, but it is
the one essential book for the serious study of the life of Jesus.
Students in colleges, theological seminaries, Young Men's Christian
Association and Young Women's Christian Association classes, Sunday
School teachers and pupils, preachers, all who read the Gospels
intelligently must have a modern harmony of the Gospels. One who has
never read a harmony will be amazed at the flood of light that flashes
from the parallel and progressive records of the life of Jesus Christ.
Broadus began teaching the life of Jesus in 1859 and kept it up till
his death in 1895. I began like work in 1888 and have kept on without
a break till now. I count it one of the crowning mercies of my life
that I have led so many successive classes of young ministers and
young women (some five thousand in all) through the study of Christ's
life. If only one can pass on to others in all their freshness and
power the teachings of Jesus, he cannot fail. There was a time when
men hung in wonder upon the words of Jesus, listening with awe and
rapture as he spoke. The Figure of Christ fills the world today as
never before. Back to Christ the world has come, the Christ of Faith
and of Experience, the Jesus of History, the Man of Galilee, the Hope
of Today, the Jesus Christ of the Four Gospels, in the full blaze of
modern critical and historical study.
A. T. ROBERTSON.
_Louisville, Kentucky_.
CONTENTS
PAGE
PREFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
CHIEF DIVISIONS OF THE HARMONY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
ANALYTICAL OUTLINE OF THE HARMONY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
TABLE FOR FINDING ANY PASSAGE IN THE HARMONY . . . . . . . . . xxxiii
THE HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
EXPLANATORY NOTES ON POINTS OF SPECIAL DIFFICULTY IN THE HARMONY 253
1. About Harmonies of the Gospels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
2. Synoptic Criticism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
3. The Authorship of the Fourth Gospel . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
4. The Jesus of History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
5. The Two Genealogies of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
6. The Probable Time of the Saviour's Birth . . . . . . . . . 262
7. The Feast of John 5:1, and the Duration of Our Lord's
Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
8. The Four Lists of the Twelve Apostles . . . . . . . . . . . 271
9. The Sermon on the Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
10. The Combination of Luke and John . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
11. Did Christ Eat the Passover? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
12. The Hour of the Crucifixion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
13. The Time of the Resurrection of Christ . . . . . . . . . . 287
14. The Length of Our Lord's Stay in the Tomb . . . . . . . . . 289
A LIST OF THE PARABLES OF JESUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
A LIST OF THE MIRACLES OF JESUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
LIST OF OLD TESTAMENT QUOTATIONS IN THE GOSPELS . . . . . . . . . 295
A LIST OF SOME UNCANONICAL SAYINGS OF JESUS . . . . . . . . . . . 302
SIMILAR INCIDENTS AND CHIEF REPEATED SAYINGS . . . . . . . . . . 304
CHIEF DIVISIONS OF THE HARMONY
PART I: THE SOURCES OF THE GOSPELS
Sect. 1
PART II: THE PRE-EXISTENT STATE OF CHRIST AND HIS INCARNATION
Sect. 2
PART III: THE TWO GENEALOGIES IN MATTHEW AND LUKE
Sect. 3
PART IV: THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF THE BAPTIST AND OF JESUS
Sects. 4-19. (Probably B.C. 7 to A.D. 7)
PART V: THE BEGINNING OF THE BAPTIST'S MINISTRY
Sects. 20-23. (Probably A.D. 25)
PART VI: THE BEGINNING OF CHRIST'S PUBLIC MINISTRY
Sects. 24-36. (In all parts of Palestine. Probably A.D. 26 and
27)
PART VII: THE GREAT GALLILEAN MINISTRY
Sects. 37-71. (Probably A.D. 27 to 29)
PART VIII: THE SPECIAL TRAINING OF THE TWELVE IN DISTRICTS AROUND
GALILEE
Sects. 72-95. (Probably Passover in A.D. 29 to Tabernacles in
A.D. 29)
PART IX: THE LATER JUDEAN MINISTRY
Sects. 96-111. (Probably Tabernacles to Dedication in A.D. 29)
PART X: THE LATER PEREAN MINISTRY
Sects. 112-127. (Probably Dedication in A.D. 29 to Last Journey
in A.D. 30)
PART XI: THE LAST PUBLIC MINISTRY IN JERUSALEM
Sects. 128a-138. (Friday before the Passover to Tuesday of
Passion Week, A.D. 30 or 29)
PART XII: IN THE SHADOW WITH JESUS
Sects. 139-152. (Tuesday afternoon to Thursday night of Passion
Week, A.D. 30 or 29)
PART XIII: THE ARREST, TRIAL, CRUCIFIXION, AND BURIAL OF JESUS
Sects. 153-168. (Early Friday morning to Saturday of Passion
Week, A.D. 30 or 29)
PART XIV: THE RESURRECTION, APPEARANCES, AND ASCENSION OF CHRIST
Sects. 169-184. (Forty days from Sunday of Passion Week, A.D. 30
or 29)
ANALYTICAL OUTLINE OF THE HARMONY
PART I: THE SOURCES OF THE GOSPELS
Sect. 1: IN THE DEDICATION LUKE EXPLAINS HIS METHOD OF RESEARCH
Luke 1:1-4.
PART II: THE PRE-EXISTENT STATE OF CHRIST AND HIS INCARNATION
Sect. 2: IN HIS INTRODUCTION JOHN PICTURES CHRIST AS THE WORD
(LOGOS)
John 1:1-18.
PART III: THE TWO GENEALOGIES IN MATTHEW AND LUKE
Sect. 3: APPARENTLY JOSEPH'S GENEALOGY IN MATTHEW AND MARY'S IN LUKE
Matt. 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38.
PART IV: THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF THE BAPTIST AND OF JESUS
SECTIONS 4-19
Sect. 4: THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE BIRTH OF THE BAPTIST TO ZACHARIAS
Luke 1:5-25.
Sect. 5: THE ANNUNCIATION TO THE VIRGIN MARY OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Luke 1:26-38.
Sect. 6: THE SONG OF ELIZABETH TO MARY UPON HER VISIT
Luke 1:39-45.
Sect. 7: THE MAGNIFICAT OF MARY
Luke 1:46-56.
Sect. 8: THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF THE BAPTIST AND HIS DESERT LIFE
Luke 1:57-80.
Sect. 9: THE ANNUNCIATION TO JOSEPH OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Matt. 1:18-25.
Sect. 10: THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Luke 2:1-7.
Sect. 11: THE PRAISE OF THE ANGELS AND THE HOMAGE OF THE SHEPHERDS
Luke 2:8-20.
Sect. 12: THE CIRCUMCISION OF JESUS
Luke 2:21.
Sect. 13: THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE WITH THE HOMAGE OF SIMEON
AND ANNA
Luke 2:22-38.
Sect. 14: MAGI VISIT THE NEW-BORN KING OF THE JEWS
Matt. 2:1-12.
Sect. 15: THE CHILD JESUS CARRIED TO EGYPT, AND THE CHILDREN AT
BETHLEHEM SLAIN
Matt. 2:13-18.
Sect. 16: THE CHILD BROUGHT FROM EGYPT TO NAZARETH
Matt. 2:19-23; Luke 2:39.
Sect. 17: THE CHILDHOOD OF JESUS AT NAZARETH
Luke 2:40.
Sect. 18: THE VISIT OF THE BOY JESUS TO JERUSALEM WHEN TWELVE YEARS
OLD
Luke 2:41-50.
Sect. 19: THE EIGHTEEN YEARS AT NAZARETH
Luke 2:51-52.
PART V: THE BEGINNING OF THE BAPTIST'S MINISTRY
SECTIONS 20-23
Sect. 20: THE TIME OF THE BEGINNING
Mark 1:1; Luke 3:1-2.
Sect. 21: THE MESSAGE AND THE MESSENGER
Mark 1:2-6; Matt. 3:1-6; Luke 3:3-6.
Sect. 22: A SPECIMEN OF JOHN'S PREACHING
Matt. 3:7-10; Luke 3:7-14.
Sect. 23: THE FORERUNNER'S PICTURE OF THE MESSIAH BEFORE SEEING HIM
Mark 1:7-8; Matt. 3:11-12; Luke 3:15-18.
PART VI: THE BEGINNING OF CHRIST'S PUBLIC MINISTRY
SECTIONS 24-36
Sect. 24: JESUS BAPTIZED BY JOHN IN THE JORDAN
Mark 1:9-11; Matt. 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-23.
Sect. 25: THE THREE TEMPTATIONS OF JESUS
Mark 1:12-13; Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13.
Sect. 26: THE TESTIMONY OF THE BAPTIST TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE
SANHEDRIN
John 1:19-28.
Sect. 27: JOHN'S IDENTIFICATION OF JESUS AS THE MESSIAH
John 1:29-34.
Sect. 28: JESUS MAKES HIS FIRST DISCIPLES
John 1:35-51.
Sect. 29: JESUS WORKS HIS FIRST MIRACLE
John 2:1-11.
Sect. 30: JESUS MAKES A FIRST SOJOURN AT CAPERNAUM, ACCOMPANIED BY
HIS KINDRED AND HIS EARLY DISCIPLES
John 2:12.
Sect. 31: THE FIRST CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE AT THE PASSOVER
John 2:13-22.
Sect. 32: THE INTERVIEW OF NICODEMUS WITH JESUS
John 2:23-3:21.
Sect. 33: THE PARALLEL MINISTRY OF JESUS AND JOHN WITH JOHN'S LOYALTY
TO JESUS
John 3:22-36.
Sect. 34: CHRIST'S REASONS FOR LEAVING JUDEA
Mark 1:14; Matt. 4:12; Luke 3:19-20; 4:14; John 4:1-4.
Sect. 35: JESUS IN SAMARIA AT JACOB'S WELL AND IN SYCHAR
John 4:5-42.
Sect. 36: THE ARRIVAL OF JESUS IN GALILEE
John 4:43-45.
PART VII: THE GREAT GALILEAN MINISTRY
SECTIONS 37-71
_Eight Groups in the Period_
(1) The Rejection at Nazareth and the New Home in Capernaum
Sections 37-43.
(2) The First Tour of Galilee with the Four Fishermen and the
Call of Matthew (Levi) on the Return with the Growing
Fame of Jesus
Sections 44-48.
(3) The Sabbath Controversy in Jerusalem and in Galilee
Sections 49-51.
(4) The Choice of the Twelve and the Sermon on the Mount
Sections 52-54.
(5) The Spread of Christ's Influence and the Inquiry from John
in Prison
Sections 55-59.
(6) The Second Tour of Galilee (now with the Twelve) and the
Intense Hostility of the Pharisees
Sections 60-63.
(7) The First Great Group of Parables with the Visit to Gerasa
(Khersa) and to Nazareth (final one)
Sections 64-69.
(8) The Third Tour of Galilee (following the Twelve) and the
Effect on Herod Antipas
Sections 70-71.
Sect. 37: GENERAL ACCOUNT OF HIS TEACHING IN GALILEE
Mark 1:14-15; Matt. 4:17; Luke 4:14-15.
Sect. 38: THE HEALING AT CANA OF THE SON OF A COURTIER OF CAPERNAUM
John 4:46-54.
Sect. 39: THE FIRST REJECTION AT NAZARETH
Luke 4:16-31.
Sect. 40: THE NEW HOME IN CAPERNAUM
Matt. 4:13-16.
Sect. 41: JESUS FINDS FOUR FISHERS OF MEN IN FOUR FISHERMEN
Mark 1:16-20; Matt. 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-11.
Sect. 42: THE EXCITEMENT IN THE SYNAGOGUE BECAUSE OF THE TEACHING OF
JESUS AND THE HEALING OF A DEMONIAC ON THE SABBATH
Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37.
Sect. 43: HE HEALS PETER'S MOTHER-IN-LAW AND MANY OTHERS
Mark 1:29-34; Matt. 8:14-17; Luke 4:38-41.
Sect. 44: THE FIRST TOUR OF GALILEE WITH THE FOUR FISHERMEN
Mark 1:35-39; Matt. 4:23-25; Luke 4:42-44.
Sect. 45: A LEPER HEALED AND MUCH POPULAR EXCITEMENT
Mark 1:40-45; Matt. 8:2-4; Luke 5:12-16.
Sect. 46: THRONGED IN CAPERNAUM, HE HEALS A PARALYTIC LOWERED THROUGH
THE ROOF OF PETER'S HOUSE
Mark 2:1-12; Matt. 9:1-8; Luke 5:17-26.
Sect. 47: THE CALL OF MATTHEW (LEVI) AND HIS RECEPTION IN HONOR OF
JESUS
Mark 2:13-17; Matt. 9:9-13; Luke 5:27-32.
Sect. 48: JESUS IN THREE PARABLES DEFENDS HIS DISCIPLES FOR FEASTING
INSTEAD OF FASTING
Mark 2:18-22; Matt. 9:14-17; Luke 5:33-39.
Sect. 49: AT A FEAST IN JERUSALEM (POSSIBLY THE PASSOVER) JESUS HEALS
A LAME MAN ON THE SABBATH AND DEFENDS THIS ACTION TO THE
PHARISEES IN A GREAT DISCOURSE
John 5:1-47.
Sect. 50: ANOTHER SABBATH CONTROVERSY WITH THE PHARISEES WHEN THE
DISCIPLES PLUCK EARS OF GRAIN IN THE FIELDS
Mark 2:23-28; Matt. 12:1-8; Luke 6:1-5.
Sect. 51: A THIRD SABBATH CONTROVERSY WITH THE PHARISEES OVER THE
HEALING OF A MAN WITH A WITHERED HAND IN A SYNAGOGUE
Mark 3:1-6; Matt. 12:9-14; Luke 6:6-11.
Sect. 52: JESUS TEACHES AND HEALS GREAT MULTITUDES BY THE SEA OF
GALILEE
Mark 3:7-12; Matt. 12:15-21.
Sect. 53: AFTER A NIGHT OF PRAYER JESUS SELECTS TWELVE APOSTLES
Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16.
Sect. 54: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. PRIVILEGES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE
MESSIANIC REIGN, CHRIST'S STANDARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Matt. 5-7; Luke 6:17-49.
The Place and the Audience
Matt. 5:1-2; Luke 6:17-19.
(1) The Introduction: The Beatitudes and the Woes.
Privileges of the Messiah's Subjects
Matt. 5:3-12; Luke 6:20-26.
(2) The Theme of the Sermon: Christ's Standard of
Righteousness in Contrast with that of the Scribes and
Pharisees
Matt. 5:13-20.
(3) Christ's Ethical Teaching Superior to that of the
Scribes (both the Old Testament and the Oral Law) in
Six Items or Illustrations (Murder, Adultery,
Divorce, Oaths, Retaliations, Love of Enemies)
Matt. 5:21-48; Luke 6:27-30, 32-36.
(4) The Practice of Real Righteousness unlike the
Ostentatious Hypocrisy of the Pharisees as in
Almsgiving, Prayer, Fasting
Matt. 6:1-18.
(5) Single-hearted Devotion to God as Opposed to Worldly
Aims and Anxieties
Matt. 6:19-34.
(6) Captious Criticism, or Judging Others
Matt. 7:1-6; Luke 6:37-42.
(7) Prayer and the Golden Rule
Matt. 7:7-12; Luke 6:31.
(8) The Conclusion of the Sermon. The Lesson of Personal
Righteousness Driven Home by Powerful Parables
Matt. 7:13-8:1; Luke 6:43-49.
Sect. 55: JESUS HEALS A CENTURION'S SERVANT AT CAPERNAUM
Matt. 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10.
Sect. 56: HE RAISES A WIDOW'S SON AT NAIN
Luke 7:11-17.
Sect. 57: THE MESSAGE FROM THE BAPTIST AND THE EULOGY OF JESUS
Matt. 11:2-19; Luke 7:18-35.
Sect. 58: WOES UPON THE CITIES OF OPPORTUNITY. THE CLAIMS OF CHRIST
AS THE TEACHER ABOUT THE FATHER
Matt. 11:20-30.
Sect. 59: THE ANOINTING OF CHRIST'S FEET BY A SINFUL WOMAN IN THE
HOUSE OF SIMON A PHARISEE. THE PARABLE OF THE TWO DEBTORS
Luke 7:36-50.
Sect. 60: THE SECOND TOUR OF GALILEE
Luke 8:1-3.
Sect. 61: BLASPHEMOUS ACCUSATION OF LEAGUE WITH BEELZEBUB
Mark 3:19-30; Matt. 12:22-37.
Sect. 62: SCRIBES AND PHARISEES DEMAND A SIGN
Matt. 12:38-45.
Sect. 63: CHRIST'S MOTHER AND BRETHREN SEEK TO TAKE HIM HOME
Mark 3:31-35; Matt. 12:46-50; Luke 8:19-21.
Sect. 64: THE FIRST GREAT GROUP OF PARABLES
Mark 4:1-34; Matt. 13:1-53; Luke 8:4-18.
_Introduction to the Group_
Mark 4:1-2; Matt. 13:1-3; Luke 8:4.
_1: To the Crowds by the Sea_
(a) Parable of the Sower
Mark 4:3-25; Matt. 13:3-23; Luke 8:5-18.
(b) Parable of the Seed Growing of Itself
Mark 4:26-29.
(c) Parable of the Tares
Matt. 13:24-30.
(d) Parable of the Mustard Seed
Mark 4:30-32; Matt. 13:31-32.
(e) Parable of the Leaven and Many Such Parables
Mark 4:33-34; Matt. 13:33-35.
_2. To the Disciples in the House_
(a) Explanation of the Parable of the Tares
Matt. 13:36-43.
(b) The Parable of the Hid Treasure
Matt. 13:44.
(c) The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
Matt. 13:45-46.
(d) The Parable of the Net
Matt. 13:47-50.
(e) The Parable of the Householder
Matt. 13:51-53.
Sect. 65: IN CROSSING THE LAKE, JESUS STILLS THE TEMPEST
Mark 4:35-41; Matt. 8:18, 23-27; Luke 8:22-25.
Sect. 66: BEYOND THE LAKE JESUS HEALS THE GERASENE DEMONIAC
Mark 5:1-20; Matt. 8:28-34; Luke 8:26-39.
Sect. 67: THE RETURN AND THE HEALING OF JAIRUS' DAUGHTER AND OF THE
WOMAN WHO ONLY TOUCHED CHRIST'S GARMENT
Mark 5:21-43; Matt. 9:18-26; Luke 8:40-56.
Sect. 68: HE HEALS TWO BLIND MEN AND A DUMB DEMONIAC, A BLASPHEMOUS
ACCUSATION
Matt. 9:27-34.
Sect. 69: THE LAST VISIT TO NAZARETH
Mark 6:1-6; Matt. 13:54-58.
Sect. 70: THE THIRD TOUR OF GALILEE AFTER INSTRUCTING THE TWELVE AND
SENDING THEM FORTH BY TWOS
Mark 6:6-13; Matt. 9:35-11:1; Luke 9:1-6.
Sect. 71: THE GUILTY FEARS OF HEROD ANTIPAS IN TIBERIAS ABOUT JESUS
BECAUSE HE HAD BEHEADED THE BAPTIST IN MACHAERUS
Mark 6:14-29; Matt. 14:1-12; Luke 9:7-9.
PART VIII: THE SPECIAL TRAINING OF THE TWELVE IN DISTRICTS AROUND
GALILEE
SECTIONS 72-95
Sect. 72: THE FIRST RETIREMENT. THE TWELVE RETURN, AND JESUS RETIRES
WITH THEM BEYOND THE LAKE TO REST. FEEDING OF THE FIVE
THOUSAND
Mark 6:30-44; Matt. 14:13-21; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-13.
Sect. 73: THE PREVENTION OF THE REVOLUTIONARY PURPOSE TO PROCLAIM
JESUS KING (A POLITICAL MESSIAH)
Mark 6:45-46; Matt. 14:22-23; John 6:14-15.
Sect. 74: THE PERIL TO THE TWELVE IN THE STORM AT SEA AND CHRIST'S
COMING TO THEM ON THE WATER IN THE DARKNESS
Mark 6:47-52; Matt. 14:24-33; John 6:16-21.
Sect. 75: THE RECEPTION AT GENNESARET
Mark 6:53-56; Matt. 14:34-36.
Sect. 76: THE COLLAPSE OF THE GALILEAN CAMPAIGN BECAUSE JESUS WILL
NOT CONFORM TO POPULAR MESSIANIC EXPECTATIONS
John 6:22-71.
Sect. 77: PHARISEES FROM JERUSALEM REPROACH JESUS FOR ALLOWING HIS
DISCIPLES TO DISREGARD THEIR TRADITIONS ABOUT CEREMONIAL
DEFILEMENT OF THE HANDS. A PUZZLING PARABLE IN REPLY
Mark 7:1-23; Matt. 15:1-20; John 7:1.
Sect. 78: THE SECOND WITHDRAWAL TO THE REGION OF TYRE AND SIDON AND
THE HEALING OF THE DAUGHTER OF A SYRO-PHOENICIAN WOMAN
Mark 7:24-30; Matt. 15:21-28.
Sect. 79: THE THIRD WITHDRAWAL NORTH THROUGH PHOENICIA AND EAST
TOWARDS HERMON AND SOUTH INTO DECAPOLIS (KEEPING OUT OF THE
TERRITORY OF HEROD ANTIPAS) WITH THE HEALING OF THE DEAF AND
DUMB MAN AND THE FEEDING OF THE FOUR THOUSAND
Mark 7:31-8:9; Matt. 15:29-38.
Sect. 80: THE BRIEF VISIT TO MAGADAN (DALMANUTHA) IN GALILEE AND THE
SHARP ATTACK BY THE PHARISEES AND SADDUCEES. (NOTE THEIR
APPEARANCE NOW AGAINST JESUS)
Mark 8:10-12; Matt. 15:39-16:4.
Sect. 81: THE FOURTH RETIREMENT TO BETHSAIDA JULIAS IN THE TETRARCHY
OF HEROD PHILIP WITH SHARP REBUKE OF THE DULNESS OF THE
DISCIPLES ON THE WAY ACROSS AND THE HEALING OF A BLIND MAN
IN BETHSAIDA
Mark 8:13-26; Matt. 16:5-12.
Sect. 82: NEAR CAESAREA PHILIPPI JESUS TESTS THE FAITH OF THE TWELVE
IN HIS MESSIAHSHIP
Mark 8:27-30; Matt. 16:13-20; Luke 9:18-21.
Sect. 83: JESUS DISTINCTLY FORETELLS THAT HE, THE MESSIAH, WILL BE
REJECTED AND KILLED AND WILL RISE THE THIRD DAY
Mark 8:31-37; Matt. 16:21-26; Luke 9:22-25.
Sect. 84: THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN IN THAT GENERATION
Mark 8:38-9:1; Matt. 16:27-28; Luke 9:26-27.
Sect. 85: THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS ON A MOUNTAIN (PROBABLY
HERMON) NEAR CAESAREA PHILIPPI
Mark 9:2-8; Matt. 17:1-8; Luke 9:28-36.
Sect. 86: THE PUZZLE OF THE THREE DISCIPLES ABOUT THE RESURRECTION
AND ABOUT ELIJAH ON THEIR WAY DOWN THE MOUNTAIN
Mark 9:9-13; Matt. 17:9-13; Luke 9:36.
Sect. 87: THE DEMONIAC BOY, WHOM THE DISCIPLES COULD NOT HEAL
Mark 9:14-29; Matt. 17:14-20; Luke 9:37-43.
Sect. 88: RETURNING PRIVATELY THROUGH GALILEE, HE AGAIN FORETELLS HIS
DEATH AND RESURRECTION
Mark 9:30-32; Matt. 17:22-23; Luke 9:43-45.
Sect. 89: JESUS, THE MESSIAH, PAYS THE HALF-SHEKEL FOR THE TEMPLE
Matt. 17:24-27.
Sect. 90: THE TWELVE CONTEND AS TO WHO SHALL BE THE GREATEST UNDER
THE MESSIAH'S REIGN. HIS SUBJECTS MUST BE CHILDLIKE
Mark 9:33-37; Matt. 18:1-5; Luke 9:46-48.
Sect. 91: THE MISTAKEN ZEAL OF THE APOSTLE JOHN REBUKED BY JESUS IN
PERTINENT PARABLES
Mark 9:38-50; Matt. 18:6-14; Luke 9:49-50.
Sect. 92: RIGHT TREATMENT OF A BROTHER WHO HAS SINNED AGAINST ONE,
AND DUTY OF PATIENTLY FORGIVING A BROTHER (PARABLE OF THE
UNMERCIFUL SERVANT)
Matt. 18:15-35.
Sect. 93: THE MESSIAH'S FOLLOWERS MUST GIVE UP EVERYTHING FOR HIS
SERVICE
Matt. 8:19-22; Luke 9:57-62.
Sect. 94: THE UNBELIEVING BROTHERS OF JESUS COUNSEL HIM TO EXHIBIT
HIMSELF IN JUDEA, AND HE REJECTS THE ADVICE
John 7:2-9.
Sect. 95: HE GOES PRIVATELY TO JERUSALEM THROUGH SAMARIA
Luke 9:51-56; John 7:10.
PART IX: THE LATER JUDEAN MINISTRY
SECTIONS 96-111
Sect. 96: THE COMING OF JESUS TO THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES CREATES
INTENSE EXCITEMENT CONCERNING THE MESSIAHSHIP
John 7:11-52.
Sect. 97: STORY OF AN ADULTEROUS WOMAN BROUGHT TO JESUS FOR JUDGMENT
John 7:53-8:11.
Sect. 98: AFTER THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES IN THE TEMPLE JESUS ANGERS
THE PHARISEES BY CLAIMING TO BE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
John 8:12-20.
Sect. 99: THE PHARISEES ATTEMPT TO STONE JESUS WHEN HE EXPOSES THEIR
SINFULNESS
John 8:21-59.
Sect. 100: JESUS HEALS A MAN BORN BLIND WHO OUTWITS THE PHARISEES. THE
RULERS FORBID THE RECOGNITION OF JESUS AS THE MESSIAH. THE
CONVERSION OF THE HEALED MAN
John 9:1-41.
Sect. 101: IN THE PARABLE (ALLEGORY) OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD JESUS DRAWS
THE PICTURE OF THE HOSTILE PHARISEES AND INTIMATES THAT HE IS
GOING TO DIE FOR HIS FLOCK AND COME TO LIFE AGAIN
John 10:1-21.
Sect. 102: THE MISSION OF THE SEVENTY. CHRIST'S JOY IN THEIR WORK ON
THEIR RETURN
Luke 10:1-24.
Sect. 103: JESUS ANSWERS A LAWYER'S QUESTION AS TO ETERNAL LIFE,
GIVING THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN
Luke 10:25-37.
Sect. 104: JESUS THE GUEST OF MARTHA AND MARY
Luke 10:38-42.
Sect. 105: JESUS AGAIN GIVES A MODEL OF PRAYER (COMP. SECT. 54) AND
ENCOURAGES HIS DISCIPLES TO PRAY. PARABLE OF THE IMPORTUNATE
FRIEND
Luke 11:1-13.
Sect. 106: BLASPHEMOUS ACCUSATION OF LEAGUE WITH BEELZEBUB
Luke 11:14-36.
Sect. 107: WHILE BREAKFASTING WITH A PHARISEE, JESUS SEVERELY
DENOUNCES THE PHARISEES AND LAWYERS AND EXCITES THEIR ENMITY
Luke 11:37-54.
Sect. 108: HE SPEAKS TO HIS DISCIPLES AND A VAST THRONG ABOUT
HYPOCRISY, COVETOUSNESS (PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL), WORLDLY
ANXIETIES, WATCHFULNESS (PARABLE OF THE WAITING SERVANTS AND
OF THE WISE STEWARD), AND HIS OWN APPROACHING PASSION
Luke 12.
Sect. 109: ALL MUST REPENT OR PERISH. (TWO CURRENT TRAGEDIES); PARABLE
OF THE BARREN FIG TREE
Luke 13:1-9.
Sect. 110: JESUS HEALS A CRIPPLED WOMAN ON THE SABBATH AND DEFENDS
HIMSELF AGAINST THE RULER OF THE SYNAGOGUE. (CF. SECTS. 49-51
AND 114.) REPETITION OF THE PARABLES OF THE MUSTARD SEED AND
OF THE LEAVEN
Luke 13:10-21.
Sect. 111: AT THE FEAST OF DEDICATION JESUS WILL NOT YET OPENLY SAY
THAT HE IS THE MESSIAH. THE JEWS TRY TO STONE HIM
John 10:22-39.
PART X: THE LATER PEREAN MINISTRY
SECTIONS 112-127
Sect. 112: THE WITHDRAWAL FROM JERUSALEM TO BETHANY BEYOND JORDAN
John 10:40-42.
Sect. 113: TEACHING IN PEREA, ON A JOURNEY TOWARD JERUSALEM, WARNED
AGAINST HEROD ANTIPAS
Luke 13:22-35.
Sect. 114: WHILE DINING (BREAKFASTING) WITH A CHIEF PHARISEE, HE AGAIN
HEALS ON THE SABBATH AND DEFENDS HIMSELF (COMP. SECTS. 49 TO
51 AND 110) THREE PARABLES SUGGESTED BY THE OCCASION
Luke 14:1-24.
Sect. 115: GREAT CROWDS FOLLOW HIM, AND HE WARNS THEM TO COUNT THE
COST OF DISCIPLESHIP TO HIM (COMP. SECTS. 70 AND 83)
Luke 14:25-35.
Sect. 116: THE PHARISEES AND THE SCRIBES MURMUR AGAINST JESUS FOR
RECEIVING SINNERS. HE DEFENDS HIMSELF BY THREE GREAT
PARABLES (THE LOST SHEEP, THE LOST COIN, THE LOST SON)
Luke 15:1-32.
Sect. 117: THREE PARABLES ON STEWARDSHIP (TO THE DISCIPLES, THE
PARABLE OF THE UNJUST STEWARD; TO THE PHARISEES, THE PARABLE
OF THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS; TO THE DISCIPLES, THE PARABLE OF
THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANTS)
Luke 16:1-17:10.
Sect. 118: JESUS RAISES LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD
John 11:1-44.
Sect. 119: THE EFFECT OF THE RAISING OF LAZARUS (ON THE PEOPLE, ON THE
SANHEDRIN, ON THE MOVEMENTS OF JESUS)
John 11:45-54.
Sect. 120: JESUS STARTS ON THE LAST JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM BY WAY OF
SAMARIA AND GALILEE
Luke 17:11-37.
Sect. 121: TWO PARABLES ON PRAYER (THE IMPORTUNATE WIDOW, THE PHARISEE
AND THE PUBLICAN)
Luke 18:1-14.
Sect. 122: GOING FROM GALILEE THROUGH PEREA, HE TEACHES CONCERNING
DIVORCE
Mark 10:1-12; Matt. 19:1-12.
Sect. 123: CHRIST AND CHILDREN AND THE FAILURE OF THE DISCIPLES TO
UNDERSTAND THE ATTITUDE OF JESUS
Mark 10:13-16; Matt. 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17.
Sect. 124: THE RICH YOUNG RULER, THE PERILS OF RICHES, AND AMAZEMENT
OF THE DISCIPLES. THE REWARDS OF FORSAKING ALL TO FOLLOW THE
MESSIAH WILL BE GREAT, BUT WILL BE SOVEREIGN (PARABLE OF THE
LABORERS IN THE VINEYARD)
Mark 10:17-31; Matt. 19:16-20:16; Luke 18:18-30.
Sect. 125: JESUS AGAIN FORETELLS TO THE DISCIPLES HIS DEATH AND
RESURRECTION (COMP. SECTS. 83, 85, 86, 88), AND REBUKES THE
SELFISH AMBITION OF JAMES AND JOHN
Mark 10:32-45; Matt. 20:17-28; Luke 18:31-34.
Sect. 126: BLIND BARTIMAEUS AND HIS COMPANION HEALED
Mark 10:46-52; Matt. 20:29-34; Luke 18:35-43.
Sect. 127: JESUS VISITS ZACCHAEUS, AND SPEAKS THE PARABLE OF THE
POUNDS, AND SETS OUT FOR JERUSALEM
Luke 19:1-28.
PART XI: THE LAST PUBLIC MINISTRY IN JERUSALEM
SECTIONS 128-138
Sect. 128a: JESUS ARRIVES AT BETHANY NEAR JERUSALEM
John 11:55-12:1, 9-11.
Sect. 128b: HIS TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM AS THE MESSIAH
Mark 11:1-11; Matt. 21:1-11, 14-17; Luke 19:29-44; John
12:12-19.
Sect. 129: THE BARREN FIG TREE CURSED, AND THE SECOND CLEANSING OF THE
TEMPLE (COMP. SECT. 31)
Mark 11:12-18; Matt. 21:18-19, 12-13; Luke 19:45-48.
Sect. 130: THE DESIRE OF SOME GREEKS TO SEE JESUS PUZZLES THE
DISCIPLES AND LEADS JESUS IN AGITATION OF SOUL TO INTERPRET
LIFE AND DEATH AS SACRIFICE AND TO SHOW HOW BY BEING "LIFTED
UP" HE WILL DRAW ALL MEN TO HIM
John 12:20-50.
Sect. 131: THE BARREN FIG TREE FOUND TO HAVE WITHERED
Mark 11:19-25; Matt. 21:19-22; Luke 21:37-38.
Sect. 132: THE RULERS (SANHEDRIN) FORMALLY CHALLENGE THE AUTHORITY OF
JESUS AS AN ACCREDITED TEACHER (RABBI)
Mark 11:27-12:12; Matt. 21:23-22:14; Luke 20:1-19.
Sect. 133: THE PHARISEES AND THE HERODIANS TRY TO ENSNARE JESUS ABOUT
PAYING TRIBUTE TO CAESAR
Mark 12:13-17; Matt. 22:15-22; Luke 20:20-26.
Sect. 134: THE SADDUCEES ASK HIM A PUZZLING QUESTION ABOUT THE
RESURRECTION
Mark 12:18-27; Matt. 22:23-33; Luke 20:27-40.
Sect. 135: THE PHARISEES REJOICE OVER THE ROUT OF THE SADDUCEES AND A
PHARISAIC LAWYER ASKS JESUS A LEGAL QUESTION
Mark 12:28-34; Matt. 22:34-40.
Sect. 136: JESUS, TO THE JOY OF THE MULTITUDE, SILENCES HIS ENEMIES BY
THE PERTINENT QUESTION OF THE MESSIAH'S DESCENT FROM DAVID
AND LORDSHIP OVER DAVID
Mark 12:35-37; Matt. 22:41-46; Luke 20:41-44.
Sect. 137: IN HIS LAST PUBLIC DISCOURSE, JESUS SOLEMNLY DENOUNCES THE
SCRIBES AND PHARISEES (COMP. SECT. 107)
Mark 12:38-40; Matt. 23:1-39; Luke 20:45-47.
Sect. 138: JESUS CLOSELY OBSERVES THE CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE TEMPLE, AND
COMMENDS THE POOR WIDOW'S GIFT
Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4.
PART XII: IN THE SHADOW WITH JESUS
SECTIONS 139-152
Sect. 139: SITTING ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES, JESUS SPEAKS TO HIS
DISCIPLES ABOUT THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM, AND HIS OWN
SECOND COMING IN APOCALYPTIC LANGUAGE. THE GREAT
ESCHATOLOGICAL DISCOURSE
Mark 13:1-37; Matt. 24, 25; Luke 21:5-36.
Sect. 140: JESUS PREDICTS HIS CRUCIFIXION TWO DAYS HENCE (JEWISH
FRIDAY)
Mark 14:1-2; Matt. 26:1-5; Luke 22:1-2.
Sect. 141: AT THE FEAST IN THE HOUSE OF SIMON THE LEPER MARY OF
BETHANY ANOINTS JESUS FOR HIS BURIAL
Mark 14:3-9; Matt. 26:6-13; John 12:2-8.
Sect. 142: JUDAS, STUNG BY THE REBUKE OF JESUS AT THE FEAST, BARGAINS
WITH THE RULERS TO BETRAY JESUS
Mark 14:10-11; Matt. 26:14-16; Luke 22:3-6.
Sect. 143: THE PREPARATION FOR THE PASCHAL MEAL AT THE HOME OF A
FRIEND (POSSIBLY THAT OF JOHN MARK'S FATHER AND MOTHER)
Mark 14:12-16; Matt. 26:17-19; Luke 22:7-13.
Sect. 144: JESUS PARTAKES OF THE PASCHAL MEAL WITH THE TWELVE APOSTLES
AND REBUKES THEIR JEALOUSY
Mark 14:17; Matt. 26:20; Luke 22:14-16, 24-30.
Sect. 145: DURING THE PASCHAL MEAL, JESUS WASHES THE FEET OF HIS
DISCIPLES
John 13:1-20.
Sect. 146: AT THE PASCHAL MEAL JESUS POINTS OUT JUDAS AS THE BETRAYER
Mark 14:18-21; Matt. 26:21-25; Luke 22:21-23; John 13:21-30.
Sect. 147: AFTER THE DEPARTURE OF JUDAS JESUS WARNS THE DISCIPLES
(PETER IN PARTICULAR) AGAINST DESERTION, WHILE ALL PROTEST
THEIR LOYALTY
Mark 14:27-31; Matt. 26:31-35; Luke 22:31-38; John 13:31-38.
Sect. 148: JESUS INSTITUTES THE MEMORIAL OF EATING BREAD AND DRINKING
WINE
Mark 14:22-25; Matt. 26:26-29; Luke 22:17-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26.
Sect. 149: THE FAREWELL DISCOURSE TO HIS DISCIPLES IN THE UPPER ROOM
John 14.
Sect. 150: THE DISCOURSE ON THE WAY TO GETHSEMANE
John 15, 16.
Sect. 151: CHRIST'S INTERCESSORY PRAYER
John 17.
Sect. 152: GOING FORTH TO GETHSEMANE, JESUS SUFFERS LONG IN AGONY
Mark 14:26, 32-42; Matt. 26:30, 36-46; Luke 22:39-46;
John 18:1.
PART XIII: THE ARREST, TRIAL, CRUCIFIXION, AND BURIAL OF JESUS
SECTIONS 153-168
Sect. 153: JESUS IS BETRAYED, ARRESTED, AND FORSAKEN
Mark 14:43-52; Matt. 26:47-56; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-12.
Sect. 154: JESUS FIRST EXAMINED BY ANNAS, THE EX-HIGH PRIEST
John 18:12-14, 19-23.
Sect. 155: JESUS HURRIEDLY TRIED AND CONDEMNED BY CAIAPHAS AND THE
SANHEDRIN, WHO MOCK AND BUFFET HIM
Mark 14:53, 55-65; Matt. 26:57, 59-68; Luke 22:54, 63-65;
John 18:24.
Sect. 156: PETER THRICE DENIES HIS LORD
Mark 14:54, 66-72; Matt. 26:58, 69-75; Luke 22:54-62;
John 18:15-18, 25-27.
Sect. 157: AFTER DAWN, JESUS IS FORMALLY CONDEMNED BY THE SANHEDRIN
Mark 15:1; Matt. 27:1; Luke 22:66-71.
Sect. 158: REMORSE AND SUICIDE OF JUDAS THE BETRAYER
Matt. 27:3-10; Acts 1:18-19.
Sect. 159: JESUS BEFORE PILATE THE FIRST TIME
Mark 15:1-5; Matt. 27:2, 11-14; Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-38.
Sect. 160: JESUS BEFORE HEROD ANTIPAS THE TETRARCH
Luke 23:6-12.
Sect. 161: JESUS THE SECOND TIME BEFORE PILATE
Mark 15:6-15; Matt. 27:15-26; Luke 23:13-25; John 18:39-19:16.
Sect. 162: THE ROMAN SOLDIERS MOCK JESUS
Mark 15:16-19; Matt. 27:27-30.
Sect. 163: JESUS ON THE WAY TO THE CROSS (VIA DOLOROSA) ON GOLGOTHA
Mark 15:20-23; Matt. 27:31-34; Luke 23:26-33; John 19:16-17.
Sect. 164: THE FIRST THREE HOURS ON THE CROSS
Mark 15:24-32; Matt. 27:35-44; Luke 23:33-43; John 19:18-27.
Sect. 165: THE THREE HOURS OF DARKNESS FROM NOON TO THREE P.M.
Mark 15:33-37; Matt. 27:45-50; Luke 23:44-46; John 19:28-30.
Sect. 166: THE PHENOMENA ACCOMPANYING THE DEATH OF CHRIST
Mark 15:38-41; Matt. 27:51-56; Luke 23:45, 47-49.
Sect. 167: THE BURIAL OF THE BODY OF JESUS IN THE TOMB OF JOSEPH OF
ARIMATHEA AFTER PROOF OF HIS DEATH
Mark 15:42-46; Matt. 27:57-60; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-42.
Sect. 168: THE WATCH OF THE WOMEN BY THE TOMB OF JESUS
Mark 15:47; Matt. 27:61-66; Luke 23:55-56.
PART XIV: THE RESURRECTION, APPEARANCES, AND ASCENSION OF CHRIST
SECTIONS 169-184
Sect. 169: THE VISIT OF THE WOMEN TO THE TOMB OF JESUS
Mark 16:1; Matt. 28:1.
Sect. 170: THE EARTHQUAKE, THE ROLLING AWAY OF THE STONE BY AN ANGEL,
AND THE FRIGHT OF THE ROMAN WATCHERS
Matt. 28:2-4.
Sect. 171: THE VISIT OF THE WOMEN TO THE TOMB OF JESUS ABOUT SUNRISE
SUNDAY MORNING AND THE MESSAGE OF THE ANGELS ABOUT THE EMPTY
TOMB
Mark 16:2-8; Matt. 28:5-8; Luke 24:1-8; John 20:1.
Sect. 172: MARY MAGDALENE AND THE OTHER WOMEN REPORT TO THE APOSTLES,
AND PETER AND JOHN VISIT THE EMPTY TOMB
Luke 24:9-12; John 20:2-10.
Sect. 173: THE APPEARANCE OF JESUS TO MARY MAGDALENE AND THE MESSAGE
TO THE DISCIPLES
Mark 16:9-11; John 20:11-18.
Sect. 174: THE APPEARANCE OF JESUS TO THE OTHER WOMEN
Matt. 28:9-10.
Sect. 175: SOME OF THE GUARD REPORT TO THE JEWISH RULERS
Matt. 28:11-15.
Sect. 176: THE APPEARANCE TO TWO DISCIPLES (CLEOPAS AND ANOTHER) ON
THE WAY TO EMMAUS
Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-32.
Sect. 177: THE REPORT OF THE TWO DISCIPLES AND THE NEWS OF THE
APPEARANCE TO SIMON PETER
Luke 24:33-35; 1 Cor. 15:5.
Sect. 178: THE APPEARANCE TO THE ASTONISHED DISCIPLES (THOMAS ABSENT)
WITH A COMMISSION AND THEIR FAILURE TO CONVINCE THOMAS
Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25.
Sect. 179: THE APPEARANCE TO THE DISCIPLES THE NEXT SUNDAY NIGHT AND
THE CONVINCING OF THOMAS
John 20:26-31; 1 Cor. 15:5.
Sect. 180: THE APPEARANCE TO SEVEN DISCIPLES BESIDE THE SEA OF
GALILEE. THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES
John 21.
Sect. 181: THE APPEARANCE TO ABOUT FIVE HUNDRED ON AN APPOINTED
MOUNTAIN IN GALILEE, AND A COMMISSION GIVEN
Mark 16:15-18; Matt. 28:16-20; 1 Cor. 15:6.
Sect. 182: THE APPEARANCE TO JAMES THE BROTHER OF JESUS
1 Cor. 15:7.
Sect. 183: THE APPEARANCE TO THE DISCIPLES WITH ANOTHER COMMISSION
Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:3-8.
Sect. 184: THE LAST APPEARANCE AND THE ASCENSION
Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-12.
TABLE FOR FINDING ANY PASSAGE IN THE HARMONY
MARK
------+---------+---------++-------+-----------+--------
Chap. | Verse | Section || Chap. | Verse | Section
------+---------+---------++-------+-----------+--------
1 | 1 | 20 || 9 | 33-37 | 90
1 | 2-6 | 21 || 9 | 38-50 | 91
1 | 7-8 | 23 || 10 | 1-12 | 122
1 | 9-11 | 24 || 10 | 13-16 | 123
1 | 12-13 | 25 || 10 | 17-31 | 124
1 | 14 | 34 || 10 | 32-45 | 125
1 | 14-15 | 37 || 10 | 46-52 | 126
1 | 16-20 | 41 || 11 | 1-11 | 128b
1 | 21-28 | 42 || 11 | 12-18 | 129
1 | 29-34 | 43 || 11 | 19-25 | 131
1 | 35-39 | 44 || 11 | 27-12:12 | 132
1 | 40-45 | 45 || 12 | 13-17 | 133
2 | 1-12 | 46 || 12 | 18-27 | 134
2 | 13-17 | 47 || 12 | 28-34 | 135
2 | 18-22 | 48 || 12 | 35-37 | 136
2 | 23-28 | 50 || 12 | 38-40 | 137
3 | 1-6 | 51 || 12 | 41-44 | 138
3 | 7-12 | 52 || 13 | 1-37 | 139
3 | 13-19 | 53 || 14 | 1-2 | 140
3 | 19-30 | 61 || 14 | 3-9 | 141
3 | 31-35 | 63 || 14 | 10-11 | 142
4 | 1-2 | 64 || 14 | 12-16 | 143
4 | 3-25 | 64 || 14 | 17 | 144
4 | 26-29 | 64 || 14 | 18-21 | 146
4 | 30-32 | 64 || 14 | 27-31 | 147
4 | 33-34 | 64 || 14 | 22-25 | 148
4 | 35-41 | 65 || 14 | 26, 32-42 | 152
5 | 1-20 | 66 || 14 | 43-52 | 153
5 | 21-43 | 67 || 14 | 53, 55-65 | 155
6 | 1-6 | 69 || 14 | 54, 66-72 | 156
6 | 6-13 | 70 || 15 | 1 | 157
6 | 14-29 | 71 || 15 | 1-5 | 159
6 | 30-44 | 72 || 15 | 6-15 | 161
6 | 45-46 | 73 || 15 | 16-19 | 162
6 | 47-52 | 74 || 15 | 20-23 | 163
6 | 53-56 | 75 || 15 | 24-32 | 164
7 | 1-23 | 77 || 15 | 33-37 | 165
7 | 24-30 | 78 || 15 | 38-41 | 166
7 | 31-8:9 | 79 || 15 | 42-46 | 167
8 | 10-12 | 80 || 15 | 47 | 168
8 | 13-26 | 81 || 16 | 1 | 169
8 | 27-30 | 82 || 16 | 2-8 | 171
8 | 31-37 | 83 || 16 | 9-11 | 173
8 | 38-9:1 | 84 || 16 | 12-13 | 176
9 | 2-8 | 85 || 16 | 14 | 178
9 | 9-13 | 86 || 16 | 15-18 | 181
9 | 14-29 | 87 || 16 | 19-20 | 184
9 | 30-32 | 88 || | |
------+---------+---------++-------+-----------+--------
MATTHEW
------+-----------+---------++--------+--------------+--------
Chap. | Verse | Section || Chap. | Verse | Section
------+-----------+---------++--------+--------------+--------
1 | 1-17 | 3 || 15 | 1-20 | 77
1 | 18-25 | 9 || 15 | 21-28 | 78
2 | 1-12 | 14 || 15 | 29-38 | 79
2 | 13-18 | 15 || 15 | 39-16:4 | 80
2 | 19-23 | 16 || 16 | 5-12 | 81
3 | 1-6 | 21 || 16 | 13-20 | 82
3 | 7-10 | 22 || 16 | 21-26 | 83
3 | 11-12 | 23 || 16 | 27-28 | 84
3 | 13-17 | 24 || 17 | 1-8 | 85
4 | 1-11 | 25 || 17 | 9-13 | 86
4 | 12 | 34 || 17 | 14-20 | 87
4 | 13-16 | 40 || 17 | 22-23 | 88
4 | 17 | 37 || 17 | 24-27 | 89
4 | 18-22 | 41 || 18 | 1-5 | 90
4 | 23-25 | 44 || 18 | 6-14 | 91
5 | 1-2 | 54 || 18 | 15-35 | 92
5 | 3-12 | 54 || 19 | 1-12 | 122
5 | 13-20 | 54 || 19 | 13-15 | 123
5 | 21-48 | 54 || 19 | 16-20:16 | 124
6 | 1-18 | 54 || 20 | 17-28 | 125
6 | 19-34 | 54 || 20 | 29-34 | 126
7 | 1-6 | 54 || 21 | 1-11, 14-17 | 128b
7 | 7-12 | 54 || 21 | 18-19, 12-13 | 129
7 | 13-8:1 | 54 || 21 | 19-22 | 131
8 | 2-4 | 45 || 21 | 23-22:14 | 132
8 | 5-13 | 55 || 22 | 15-22 | 133
8 | 14-17 | 43 || 22 | 23-33 | 134
8 | 18, 23-27 | 65 || 22 | 34-40 | 135
8 | 19-22 | 93 || 22 | 41-46 | 136
8 | 28-34 | 66 || 23 | 1-39 | 137
9 | 1-8 | 46 || 24, 25 | ... | 139
9 | 9-13 | 47 || 26 | 1-5 | 140
9 | 14-17 | 48 || 26 | 6-13 | 141
9 | 18-26 | 67 || 26 | 14-16 | 142
9 | 27-34 | 68 || 26 | 17-19 | 143
9 | 35-11:1 | 70 || 26 | 20 | 144
11 | 2-19 | 57 || 26 | 21-25 | 146
11 | 20-30 | 58 || 26 | 31-35 | 147
12 | 1-8 | 50 || 26 | 26-29 | 148
12 | 9-14 | 51 || 26 | 30, 36-46 | 152
12 | 15-21 | 52 || 26 | 47-56 | 153
12 | 22-37 | 61 || 26 | 57, 59-68 | 155
12 | 38-45 | 62 || 26 | 58, 69-75 | 156
12 | 46-50 | 63 || 27 | 1 | 157
13 | 1-3 | 64 || 27 | 3-10 | 158
13 | 3-23 | 64 || 27 | 2, 11-14 | 159
13 | 24-30 | 64 || 27 | 15-26 | 161
13 | 31-32 | 64 || 27 | 27-30 | 162
13 | 33-35 | 64 || 27 | 31-34 | 163
13 | 36-43 | 64 || 27 | 35-44 | 164
13 | 44 | 64 || 27 | 45-50 | 165
13 | 45-46 | 64 || 27 | 51-56 | 166
13 | 47-50 | 64 || 27 | 57-60 | 167
13 | 51-53 | 64 || 27 | 61-66 | 168
13 | 54-58 | 69 || 28 | 1 | 169
14 | 1-12 | 71 || 28 | 2-4 | 170
14 | 13-21 | 72 || 28 | 5-8 | 171
14 | 22-23 | 73 || 28 | 9-10 | 174
14 | 24-33 | 74 || 28 | 11-15 | 175
14 | 34-36 | 75 || 28 | 16-20 | 181
------+-----------+---------++--------+--------------+--------
LUKE
------+---------+---------++-------+--------------+--------
Chap. | Verse | Section || Chap. | Verse | Section
------+---------+---------++-------+--------------+--------
1 | 1-4 | 1 || 9 | 49-50 | 91
1 | 5-25 | 4 || 9 | 51-56 | 95
1 | 26-38 | 5 || 9 | 57-62 | 93
1 | 39-45 | 6 || 10 | 1-24 | 102
1 | 46-56 | 7 || 10 | 25-37 | 103
1 | 57-80 | 8 || 10 | 38-42 | 104
2 | 1-7 | 10 || 11 | 1-13 | 105
2 | 8-20 | 11 || 11 | 14-36 | 106
2 | 21 | 12 || 11 | 37-54 | 107
2 | 22-38 | 13 || 12 | 1-59 | 108
2 | 39 | 16 || 13 | 1-9 | 109
2 | 40 | 17 || 13 | 10-21 | 110
2 | 41-50 | 18 || 13 | 22-35 | 113
2 | 51-52 | 19 || 14 | 1-24 | 114
3 | 1-2 | 20 || 14 | 25-35 | 115
3 | 3-6 | 21 || 15 | 1-32 | 116
3 | 7-14 | 22 || 16 | 1-17:10 | 117
3 | 15-18 | 23 || 17 | 11-37 | 120
3 | 19-20 | 34 || 18 | 1-14 | 121
3 | 21-23 | 24 || 18 | 15-17 | 123
3 | 23-38 | 3 || 18 | 18-30 | 124
4 | 1-13 | 25 || 18 | 31-34 | 125
4 | 14 | 34 || 18 | 35-43 | 126
4 | 14-15 | 37 || 19 | 1-28 | 127
4 | 16-31 | 39 || 19 | 29-44 | 128b
4 | 31-37 | 42 || 19 | 45-48 | 129
4 | 38-41 | 43 || 21 | 37-38 | 131
4 | 42-44 | 44 || 20 | 1-19 | 132
5 | 1-11 | 41 || 20 | 20-26 | 133
5 | 12-16 | 45 || 20 | 27-40 | 134
5 | 17-26 | 46 || 20 | 41-44 | 136
5 | 27-32 | 47 || 20 | 45-47 | 137
5 | 33-39 | 48 || 21 | 1-4 | 138
6 | 1-5 | 50 || 21 | 5-36 | 139
6 | 6-11 | 51 || 22 | 1-2 | 140
6 | 12-16 | 53 || 22 | 3-6 | 142
6 | 17-19 | 54 || 22 | 7-13 | 143
6 | 20-26 | 54 || 22 | 14-16, 24-30 | 144
6 | 27-36 | 54 || 22 | 21-23 | 146
6 | 37-42 | 54 || 22 | 31-38 | 147
6 | 43-49 | 54 || 22 | 17-20 | 148
7 | 1-10 | 55 || 22 | 39-46 | 152
7 | 11-17 | 56 || 22 | 47-53 | 153
7 | 18-35 | 57 || 22 | 54, 63-65 | 155
7 | 36-50 | 59 || 22 | 54-62 | 156
8 | 1-3 | 60 || 22 | 66-71 | 157
8 | 4 | 64 || 23 | 1-5 | 159
8 | 5-18 | 64 || 23 | 6-12 | 160
8 | 19-21 | 63 || 23 | 13-25 | 161
8 | 22-25 | 65 || 23 | 26-33 | 163
8 | 26-39 | 66 || 23 | 33-43 | 164
8 | 40-56 | 67 || 23 | 44-46 | 165
9 | 1-6 | 70 || 23 | 45, 47-49 | 166
9 | 7-9 | 71 || 23 | 50-54 | 167
9 | 10-17 | 72 || 23 | 55-56 | 168
9 | 18-21 | 82 || 24 | 1-8 | 171
9 | 22-25 | 83 || 24 | 9-12 | 172
9 | 26-27 | 84 || 24 | 13-32 | 176
9 | 28-36 | 85 || 24 | 33-35 | 177
9 | 36 | 86 || 24 | 36-43 | 178
9 | 37-43 | 87 || 24 | 44-49 | 183
9 | 43-45 | 88 || 24 | 50-53 | 184
9 | 46-48 | 90 || | |
------+---------+---------++-------+--------------+--------
JOHN
------+----------+---------++--------+---------------+--------
Chap. | Verse | Section || Chap. | Verse | Section
------+----------+---------++--------+---------------+--------
1 | 1-18 | 2 || 11 | 1-44 | 118
1 | 19-28 | 26 || 11 | 45-54 | 119
1 | 29-34 | 27 || 11 | 55-12:1, 9-11 | 128a
1 | 35-51 | 28 || 12 | 12-19 | 128b
2 | 1-11 | 29 || 12 | 20-50 | 130
2 | 12 | 30 || 12 | 2-8 | 141
2 | 13-22 | 31 || 13 | 1-20 | 145
2 | 23-3:21 | 32 || 13 | 21-30 | 146
3 | 22-36 | 33 || 13 | 31-38 | 147
4 | 1-4 | 34 || 14 | ... | 149
4 | 5-42 | 35 || 15, 16 | ... | 150
4 | 43-45 | 36 || 17 | ... | 151
4 | 46-54 | 38 || 18 | 1 | 152
5 | 1-47 | 49 || 18 | 2-12 | 153
6 | 1-13 | 72 || 18 | 12-14, 19-23 | 154
6 | 14-15 | 73 || 18 | 24 | 155
6 | 16-21 | 74 || 18 | 15-18, 25-27 | 156
6 | 22-71 | 76 || 18 | 28-38 | 159
7 | 1 | 77 || 18 | 39-19:16 | 161
7 | 2-9 | 94 || 19 | 16-17 | 163
7 | 10 | 95 || 19 | 18-27 | 164
7 | 11-52 | 96 || 19 | 28-30 | 165
7 | 53-8:11 | 97 || 19 | 31-42 | 167
8 | 12-20 | 98 || 20 | 1 | 171
8 | 21-59 | 99 || 20 | 2-10 | 172
9 | 1-41 | 100 || 20 | 11-18 | 173
10 | 1-21 | 101 || 20 | 19-25 | 178
10 | 22-39 | 111 || 20 | 26-31 | 179
10 | 40-42 | 112 || 21 | ... | 180
------+----------+---------++--------+---------------+--------
NOTE:--The verses that are omitted in the Canterbury Revision do not
appear in this Harmony. They are Mark 7:16; 9:44, 46; 11:26; 15:28;
Matthew 17:21; 18:11; 23:14; Luke 17:36; 23:17; John 5:4.
In addition to the Gospels use is made of
Acts 1:3-8 in Sect. 183.
Acts 1:9-12 in Sect. 184.
Acts 1:18-19 in Sect. 158.
1 Cor. 11:23-26 in Sect. 148.
1 Cor. 15:5 in Sect. 177.
1 Cor. 15:5 in Sect. 179.
1 Cor. 15:6 in Sect. 181.
1 Cor. 15:7 in Sect. 182.
A HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS FOR STUDENTS OF THE LIFE OF CHRIST
PART I
THE SOURCES OF THE GOSPELS
Sect. 1. IN THE DEDICATION LUKE EXPLAINS HIS METHOD OF RESEARCH[a]
Luke 1:1-4
1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to draw up a narrative
concerning those matters which have been [1]fulfilled among us,
2 even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were
3 eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, it seemed good to me also,
having traced the course of all things accurately from the first,
4 to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus;[b] that
thou mightest know the certainty concerning the [2]things
[3]wherein thou wast instructed.
[Footnote 1: Or, _fully establish_.]
[Footnote 2: Gr. _words_.]
[Footnote 3: Or, _which thou wast taught by word of mouth_.]
[Footnote a: Luke is the first critic of the life of Christ whose
criticism has been preserved to us. Others had drawn up narratives of
certain portions of Christ's work. Others still had been eyewitnesses of
the ministry of Jesus and gave Luke their oral testimony. Luke sifted it
all with care and produced an orderly and reasonably full narrative of
the earthly ministry of Jesus. We cannot reproduce all the sources that
Luke had at his command, but it is clear that he followed in the main our
Gospel of Mark, as any one can see for himself by comparing the two
Gospels in this Harmony. Both Matthew and Luke made use of Mark. But they
had other sources also. See note 2 on Synoptic Criticism at the close of
the Harmony. See also Chapter IV, "Luke's Method of Research" in my _Luke
the Historian in the Light of Research_.]
[Footnote b: Luke alone follows the method of ancient historians in
dedicating his Gospel, as also the Acts (1:1), to a patron who probably
met the expense of publication. So Luke as a Gentile Christian writes an
historical introduction in literary (_Koine_) Greek after the fashion of
Thucydides and Plutarch. Mark had no formal introduction. Matthew's
introduction is genealogical because he is writing for Jewish readers to
prove that Jesus is the Messiah of Jewish hope. John, writing last of
all, has a theological introduction to meet the Gnostic and philosophical
misconceptions concerning the Person of Christ. Thus he pictures Christ
as the Eternal Logos, with God in his pre-incarnate state, who became
flesh and thus revealed the Father to men.]
PART II
THE PRE-EXISTENT STATE OF CHRIST AND HIS INCARNATION
Sect. 2. IN HIS INTRODUCTION JOHN PICTURES CHRIST AS THE WORD (LOGOS)
John 1:1-18
1 In the beginning was the Word,[a] and the Word was with God, and
2 the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All
3 things were made [1]by him; and without him [2]was not anything
4 made that hath been made. In him was life; and the life was the
5 light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness; and the
6 darkness [3]apprehended it not. There came a man, sent from God,
7 whose name was John. The same came for witness, that he might bear
8 witness of the light, that all might believe through him. He was
not the light, but _came_ that he might bear witness of the light.
9 [4]There was the true light, _even the light_ which lighteth
10 [5]every man, coming into the world. He was in the world, and the
11 world was made [1]by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto
12 [6]his own, and they that were his own received him not. But as
many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children
13 of God, _even_ to them that believe on his name: which were
[7]born, not of [8]blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the
14 will of man, but of God. And the Word[a] became flesh, and [9]dwelt
among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of [10]the only
15 begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth. John beareth
witness of him, and crieth, saying, [11]This was he of whom I said,
He that cometh after me is become before me: for he was [12]before
16 me. For of his fulness we all received, and grace for grace. For
17 the law was given [1]by Moses; grace and truth came [1]by Jesus
18 Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; [13]the only begotten
Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared _him_.
[Footnote 1: Or, _through_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _was not anything made. That which hath been made
was life in him; and the life &c._]
[Footnote 3: Or, _overcame_.]
[Footnote 4: Or, _The true light, which lighteth every man, was
coming_.]
[Footnote 5: Or, _every man as he cometh_.]
[Footnote 6: Gr. _his own things_.]
[Footnote 7: Or, _begotten_.]
[Footnote 8: Gr. _bloods_.]
[Footnote 9: Gr. _tabernacled_.]
[Footnote 10: Or, _an only begotten from a father_.]
[Footnote 11: Some ancient authorities read _this was he that
said_.]
[Footnote 12: Gr. _first in regard of me_.]
[Footnote 13: Many very ancient authorities read _God only
begotten_.]
[Footnote a: The Fourth Gospel makes no further use of the term Logos
(Word) for Christ. No other Gospel employs the term, but in 1 John 1:1 we
find "the Word of life" in this sense and in Rev. 19:14 we have: "and his
name is called the Word of God." The Greek word has a double sense
(reason and speech) and John seems to have both ideas in mind (1:18).
Christ is the Idea of God and the Expression of God. The Stoics followed
Plato in the philosophical use of Logos. Philo took it up and made it
familiar to Jewish readers who were already used to the Hebrew _Memra_
(Word) in a personal sense. But John carried the term further than any of
his predecessors and placed it on a par with Messiah, Son of God, Son of
Man, and other phrases that portray aspects of the Person of Christ. John
writes his Gospel to prove the deity of Jesus (John 20:31) against
Gnostics (Cerinthian) who denied it, as he wrote his First Epistle (1
John 1:1-4) to prove the humanity of Jesus against Docetic Gnostics who
disclaimed it. See note 3 at end of Harmony.]
PART III
THE TWO GENEALOGIES IN MATTHEW AND LUKE
Sect. 3. APPARENTLY JOSEPH'S GENEALOGY IN MATTHEW AND MARY'S IN LUKE[a]
Matt. 1:1-17. (_Cf._ 1 Chron. |Luke 3:23-38. (_Cf._ 1 Chron. 1:1-4,
1:34; 2:1-25; 3:1-19.) |24-28; 2:1-15; 3:17; Ruth 4:18-22.)
|
1 [1]The book of the | Being the son (as was supposed)
[2]generation of Jesus Christ,| of Joseph, the _son_ of Heli,
the son of David, the son of |24 the _son_ of Matthat, the _son_
Abraham. | of Levi, the _son_ of Melchi, the
2 Abraham begat Isaac; and | _son_ of Jannai, the _son_ of
Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob |25 Joseph, the _son_ of Mattathias,
begat Judah and his brethren; | the _son_ of Amos, the _son_ of
3 and Judah begat Perez and | Nahum, the _son_ of Esli, the
Zerah of Tamar; and Perez |26 _son_ of Naggai, the _son_ of
begat Hezron; and Hezron begat| Maath, the _son_ of Mattathias,
4 [3]Ram; and [3]Ram begat | the _son_ of Semein, the _son_ of
Amminadab; and Amminadab begat|27 Josech, the _son_ of Joda, the
Nahshon; and Nahshon begat | _son_ of Joanan, the _son_ of
5 Salmon; and Salmon begat Boaz | Rhesa, the _son_ of Zerubbabel,
of Rahab; and Boaz begat Obed | the _son_ of [7]Shealtiel, the
of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;|28 _son_ of Neri, the _son_ of
6 and Jesse begat David the | Melchi, the _son_ of Addi, the
king. | _son_ of Cosam, the _son_ of
And David begat Solomon of |29 Elmadam, the _son_ of Er, the
her _that had been the wife_ | _son_ of Jesus, the _son_ of
7 of Uriah; and Solomon begat | Eliezer, the _son_ of Jorim, the
Rehoboam; and Rehoboam begat | _son_ of Matthat, the _son_ of
Abijah; and Abijah begat |30 Levi, the _son_ of Symeon, the
8 [4]Asa; and [4]Asa begat | _son_ of Judas, the _son_ of
Jehoshaphat; and Jehoshaphat | Joseph, the _son_ of Jonam, the
begat Joram; and Joram begat |31 _son_ of Eliakim, the _son_ of
9 Uzziah; and Uzziah begat | Melea, the _son_ of Menna, the
Jotham; and Jotham begat Ahaz;| _son_ of Mattatha, the _son_ of
10 and Ahaz begat Hezekiah; and |32 Nathan, the _son_ of David, the
Hezekiah begat Manasseh; and | _son_ of Jesse, the _son_ of
Manasseh begat [5]Amon; and | Obed, the _son_ of Boaz, the
11 [5]Amon begat Josiah; and | _son_ of [8]Salmon, the _son_ of
Josiah begat Jechoniah and his|33 Nahshon, the _son_ of Amminadab,
brethren, at the time of the | [9]the _son_ of [10]Arni, the
[6]carrying away to Bablyon. | _son_ of Hezron, the _son_ of
12 And after the [6]carrying |34 Perez, the _son_ of Judah, the
away to Babylon, Jechoniah | _son_ of Jacob, the _son_ of
begat [7]Shealtiel; and | Isaac, the _son_ of Abraham, the
[7]Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel;| _son_ of Terah, the _son_ of
13 and Zerubbabel begat Abiud; |35 Nahor, the _son_ of Serug, the
and Abiud begat Eliakim; and | _son_ of Reu, the _son_ of Peleg,
14 Eliakim begat Azor; and Azor | the _son_ of Eber, the _son_ of
begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat |36 Shelah, the _son_ of Cainan, the
Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; | _son_ of Arphaxad, the _son_ of
15 and Eliud begat Eleazar; and | Shem, the _son_ of Noah, the
Eleazar begat Matthan; and |37 _son_ of Lamech, the _son_ of
16 Matthan begat Jacob; and Jacob| Methuselah, the _son_ of Enoch,
begat Joseph the husband of | the _son_ of Jared, the _son_ of
Mary, of whom was born[b] | Mahalaleel, the _son_ of Cainan,
Jesus, who is called Christ. |38 the _son_ of Enos, the _son_ of
17 So all the generations from | Seth, the _son_ of Adam, the
Abraham unto David are | _son_ of God.
fourteen generations; and from|
David unto the [6]carrying |
away to Babylon fourteen |
generations; and from the |
[6]carrying away to Babylon |
unto the Christ fourteen |
generations.[c] |
[Footnote 1: Or, _The genealogy of Jesus Christ_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _birth_: as in ver. 18.]
[Footnote 3: Gr. _Aram_.]
[Footnote 4: Gr. _Asaph_.]
[Footnote 5: Gr. _Amos_.]
[Footnote 6: Or, _removal to Babylon_.]
[Footnote 7: Gr. _Salathiel_.]
[Footnote 8: Some ancient authorities write _Sala_.]
[Footnote 9: Many ancient authorities insert _the son of Admin_;
and one writes _Admin_ for _Amminadab_.]
[Footnote 10: Some ancient authorities write _Aram_.]
[Footnote a: This view is not accepted by all scholars, though it is
found as early as Eusebius (_Hist. Eccl._ i, 7). See note 5 at end of
Harmony.]
[Footnote b: The Sinaitic Syriac, against all the early Greek
manuscripts, reads in Matt. 1:16: "But Joseph, to whom the Virgin Mary
was betrothed, begat Jesus." This ancient Ebionitic text is followed by
Von Soden in his _Griechisches Neues Testament_ and by Moffatt in his
_New Translation of the New Testament_, but it is difficult to believe it
genuine, for in Matt. 1:18-22 the writer pictures Joseph as on the point
of putting Mary away privily. The two reports in the Sinaitic Syriac
flatly contradict each other. Those who accept it say that the writer of
the Virgin Birth view in 1:18-20 overlooked 1:16 (certainly a serious
oversight). It is easier to think that an Ebionitic scribe in copying
altered 1:16, but passed by 1:18-20. The Ebionites denied the deity of
Jesus. Both Matthew and Luke (1:26-38) give the Virgin Birth of Jesus,
but they preserve separate traditions on the subject.]
[Footnote c: Observe that Matthew's three divisions of the genealogy
represent three great periods in the history of Israel. See note 5 at end
of Harmony for discussion of the differences between the genealogies in
Matthew and in Luke.]
PART IV
THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF THE BAPTIST AND OF JESUS
Probably B.C. 7 to A.D. 7
_Sects. 4-19. These sections include the annunciations, the birth,
infancy, and childhood of both John and Jesus._
Sect. 4. THE ANNUNCIATION[a] OF THE BIRTH OF THE BAPTIST TO ZACHARIAS
Jerusalem, in the Temple. Probably B.C. 7
Luke 1:5-25[b]
5 There was in the days of Herod, king of Judea, a certain priest
named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah: and he had a wife of the
6 daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both
righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and
7 ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because
that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were _now_ [1]well
stricken in years.
8 Now it came to pass, while he executed the priest's office before
9 God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the
priest's office, his lot was to enter into the [2]temple of the
10 Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were
11 praying without at the hour of incense. And there appeared unto
him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar
12 of incense. And Zacharias was troubled when he saw _him_, and fear
13 fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias:
because thy supplication is heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall
14 bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt
15 have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he
shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink no
wine nor [3]strong drink [_see Num. 6:3; Judg. 13:4-6; 1 Sam.
1:11_]; and he shall be filled with the [4]Holy Ghost, even from
16 his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he
17 turn unto the Lord their God. And he shall [5]go before his face
in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the
fathers to the children [_see Mal. 3:1; 4:5-6_], and the
disobedient _to walk_ in the wisdom of the just; to make ready for
18 the Lord a people prepared _for him_. And Zacharias said unto the
angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife
19 [6]well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him,
I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God [_see Dan. 8:16;
9:21_]; and I was sent to speak unto thee, and to bring thee these
20 good tidings. And behold, thou shalt be silent and not able to
speak, until the day that these things shall come to pass, because
thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their
21 season. And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and they
22 marvelled [7]while he tarried in the [2]temple. And when he came
out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had
seen a vision in the [2]temple: and he continued making signs unto
23 them, and remained dumb. And it came to pass, when the days of his
ministration were fulfilled, he departed unto his house.
24 And after these days Elisabeth his wife conceived; and she hid
25 herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord done unto me in
the days wherein he looked upon _me_, to take away my reproach
among men.
[Footnote 1: Gr. _advanced in their days_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _sanctuary_.]
[Footnote 3: Gr. _sikera_.]
[Footnote 4: Or, _Holy Spirit_: and so throughout all the
Gospels.]
[Footnote 5: Some ancient authorities read _come nigh before his
face_.]
[Footnote 6: Gr. _advanced in her days_.]
[Footnote 7: Or, _at his tarrying_.]
[Footnote a: There are three annunciations: (1) to Zacharias Sect. 4, (2)
to Mary Sect. 5, (3) to Joseph Sect. 9. Luke gives the first two and
Matthew the third. The Angel Gabriel is named by Luke (1:19, 26), but
Matthew simply has "an angel of the Lord" (1:20).]
[Footnote b: It is certain that Luke tells the infancy stories from the
standpoint of Mary while Matthew writes from the standpoint of Joseph.
Matthew gives the public account while Luke tells the private story from
Mary herself (Ramsay, _Was Christ Born at Bethlehem?_ p. 79). Luke could
have seen Mary, if still alive, or could have obtained it from one of
Mary's circle either orally or in manuscript form. Some scholars even
suggest "Gospel of Mary" and even, "Gospel of the Baptist" as a written
source for Luke in 1:5-2:52. Sanday (_The Life of Christ in Recent
Research_, p. 166) says: "These two chapters--whatever the date at which
they were first committed to writing--are essentially the most archaic
thing in the whole New Testament." Certainly Luke reveals the use of
Aramaic or Hebrew sources by the sudden changes in his style from 1:1-4.
Luke, if familiar with the current account as seen in Matthew, apparently
felt that he owed it to Mary to record her story of her great
experience.]
Sect. 5. THE ANNUNCIATION TO THE VIRGIN MARY OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Nazareth. Probably B.C. 7 or 6
Luke 1:26-38
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a
27 city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man
whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's
28 name was Mary. And he came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that
29 art [1]highly favoured, the Lord _is_ with thee.[2] But she was
greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner
30 of salutation this might be. And the angel said unto her, Fear
31 not, Mary: for thou hast found [3]favour with God. And behold,
thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt
32 call his name JESUS [_see Isa. 7:14_]. He shall be great, and
shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall
give unto him the throne of his father David [_see 2 Sam.
33 7:12-17_]: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob [4]for ever;
34 and of his kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said unto the
35 angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel
answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee,
and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore
also [5]that which [6]is to be born [7]shall be called holy [_see
36 Ex. 13:12_], the Son of God. And behold, Elisabeth thy kinswoman,
she also hath conceived a son in her old age: and this is the
37 sixth month with her that [8]was called barren. For no word from
38 God shall be void of power [_see Gen. 18:14_]. And Mary said,
Behold, the [9]handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to
thy word. And the angel departed from her.
[Footnote 1: Or, _endued with grace_.]
[Footnote 2: Many ancient authorities add _blessed_ art _thou among
women_. (See ver. 42.)]
[Footnote 3: Or, _grace_.]
[Footnote 4: Gr. _unto the ages_.]
[Footnote 5: Or, _the holy thing which is to be born shall be
called the son of God_.]
[Footnote 6: Or, _is begotten_.]
[Footnote 7: Some ancient authorities insert _of thee_.]
[Footnote 8: Or, _is_.]
[Footnote 9: Gr. _bondmaid_.]
Sect. 6. THE SONG[a] OF ELISABETH TO MARY UPON HER VISIT
Hill Country of Judea
Luke 1:39-45
39 And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill country with
40 haste, into a city of Judah; and entered into the house of
41 Zacharias and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, when
Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her
42 womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost; and she lifted
up her voice with a loud cry, and said, Blessed _art_ thou among
43 women, and blessed _is_ the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this
44 to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me? For behold,
when the voice of thy salutation came into mine ears, the babe
45 leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed _is_ she that [1]believed;
for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been
spoken to her from the Lord.
[Footnote 1: Or, _believed that there shall be_.]
[Footnote a: This hymn or psalm springs from the omen to Elisabeth.]
Sect. 7. THE MAGNIFICAT OF MARY
Hill Country of Judea
Luke 1:46-56
46 And Mary said,
My soul doth magnify the Lord [_see 1 Sam. 2:1-10_],
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath looked upon the low estate of his [1]handmaiden:
For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me
blessed [_see 1 Sam 1:11_].
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things;
And holy is his name [_see 1 Sam. 2:2_].
50 And his mercy is unto generations and generations
On them that fear him [_see Ps. 103:17_].
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm;
He hath scattered the proud [2]in the imagination of their heart
[_see 1 Sam. 2:4; Ps. 89:10_].
52 He hath put down princes from _their_ thrones,
And hath exalted them of low degree [_see Job 5:11; 12:19_].
53 The hungry he hath filled with good things;
And the rich he hath sent empty away [_see Ps. 107:9_].
54 He hath holpen Israel his servant,
That he might remember mercy [_see Isa. 41:8-9_]
55 (As he spake unto our fathers)
Toward Abraham and his seed for ever [_see Gen. 17:7; Mic.
7:20_].
56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned unto her
house.
[Footnote 1: Gr. _bondmaiden_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _by_.]
Sect. 8. THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF THE BAPTIST, AND HIS DESERT LIFE
Hill Country of Judea. B.C. 7 or 6
Luke 1:57-80
57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered;
58 and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her kinsfolk
heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy toward her; and they
59 rejoiced with her. And it came to pass on the eighth day, that they
came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him
60 Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered
61 and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto
62 her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And
63 they made signs to his father, what he would have him called. And
he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, His name is John.
64 And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and
65 his tongue _loosed_, and he spake, blessing God. And fear came on
all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised
66 abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all that heard
them laid them up in their heart, saying, What then shall this
child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him.
67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and
prophesied, saying,
68 Blessed _be_ the Lord, the God of Israel;
For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people [_see
Ps. 72:18; 111:9_],
69 And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of his servant David [_see 1 Sam. 2:10; Ps. 18:3_]
70 (As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets which have been
since the world began),
71 Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us
[_see Ps. 106:10_];
72 To shew mercy towards our fathers,
And to remember his holy covenant;
73 The oath which he sware unto Abraham our father [_see Gen. 17:7;
Lev. 26:42; Ps. 105:8; Mic. 7:20_],
74 To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our
enemies
Should serve him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
76 Yea and thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most
High:
For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to make ready his
ways [_see Mal. 3:1_];
77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people
In the remission of their sins,
78 Because of the [1]tender mercy of our God,
[2]Whereby the dayspring from on high [3]shall visit us [_see
Mal. 4:2_],
79 To shine upon them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death;
To guide our feet into the way of peace [_see Isa. 8:22; 9:2_].
80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the
deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.[a]
[Footnote 1: Or, _heart of mercy_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _Wherein_.]
[Footnote 3: Many ancient authorities read _hath visited us_.]
[Footnote a: Dwell on this summary statement as to John's retired life in
the wild regions of Judea, whence he will come forth thirty years later.]
Sect. 9. THE ANNUNCIATION TO JOSEPH OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Nazareth
Matt. 1:18-25
18 Now the [1]birth [2]of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his
mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came
19 together she was found with child of the [3]Holy Ghost. And Joseph
her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a
20 public example, was minded to put her away privily. But when he
thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared
unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not
to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is [4]conceived in
21 her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son; and
thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his
22 people from their sins. Now all this is come to pass, that it
might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the
prophet, saying,
23 Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a
son [_see Isa. 7:14_],
And they shall call his name [5]Immanuel;
24 which is, being interpreted, God with us. And Joseph arose from
his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and
25 took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought
forth a son: and he called his name JESUS.
[Footnote 1: Or, _generation_: as in ver. 1 in Sect. 3.]
[Footnote 2: Some ancient authorities read _of the Christ_.]
[Footnote 3: Or, _Holy Spirit_.]
[Footnote 4: Gr. _begotten_.]
[Footnote 5: Gr. _Emmanuel_.]
Sect. 10. THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Bethlehem. Probably B.C. 6 or 5
Luke 2:1-7
1 Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from
2 Caesar Augustus, that all the [1]world should be enrolled. This was
3 the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And
4 all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city.[a] And
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth,
into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem,
5 because he was of the house and family of David; to enrol himself
6 with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child. And
it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled
7 that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn
son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a
manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
[Footnote 1: Gr. _inhabited earth_.]
[Footnote a: Observe how the ruler of the civilized world is
unconsciously bringing it about that the Messiah, the son of David, shall
be born at Bethlehem, though his mother's home was Nazareth. All the
previous history of Rome and of Israel gathers about this manger. As to
Quirinius, and as to the probable time of the Saviour's birth, see note 6
at the end of the book. The vindication of Luke's historical statements
in these verses is one of the triumphs of modern research, as is shown in
that note.]
Sect. 11. THE PRAISE OF THE ANGELS AND THE HOMAGE OF THE SHEPHERDS
Near Bethlehem
Luke 2:8-20
8 And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the
9 field, and keeping [1]watch by night over their flock. And an angel
of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round
10 about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto
them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great
11 joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you
this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is [2]Christ the
12 Lord. And this _is_ the sign unto you; Ye shall find a babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. And suddenly
13 there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising[a] God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth [3]peace among [4]men in whom he is well pleased.
15 And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into
heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto
Bethlehem, and see this [5]thing that is come to pass, which the
16 Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found
17 both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when
they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was
18 spoken to them about this child. And all that heard it wondered at
19 the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds. But Mary
20 kept all these [6]sayings, pondering them in her heart. And the
shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things
that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.
[Footnote 1: Or, _night-watches_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _Anointed Lord_.]
[Footnote 3: Many ancient authorities read _peace, good pleasure
among men_.]
[Footnote 4: Gr. _men of good pleasure_.]
[Footnote 5: Or, _saying_.]
[Footnote 6: Or, _things_.]
[Footnote a: The Gloria in Excelsis.]
Sect. 12. THE CIRCUMCISION OF JESUS
Bethlehem
Luke 2:21
21 And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him [_see
Gen. 17:12; Lev. 12:3_], his name was called JESUS, which was so
called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Sect. 13. THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE WITH THE HOMAGE OF SIMEON AND
ANNA
Jerusalem
Luke 2:22-38
22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of
Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present
23 him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every
male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord)
24 [_see Ex. 13:2, 12, 15; Lev. 12:1-8_], and to offer a sacrifice
according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of
25 turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And behold, there was a man in
Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and
devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit
26 was upon him. And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy
Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the
27 Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple: and when
the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do
28 concerning him after the custom of the law, then he received him
into his arms, and blessed God, and said,[a]
29 Now lettest thou thy [1]servant depart, O [2]Lord,
According to thy word, in peace;
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation [_see Isa. 52:10_],
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples;
32 A light for [3]revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of thy people Israel [_see Isa. 42:6; 49:6_].
33 And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which
34 were spoken concerning him; and Simeon blessed them, and said unto
Mary his mother, Behold, this _child_ is set for the falling and
rising up of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken
35 against; yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that
36 thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one
Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher
(she was [4]of a great age, having lived with a husband seven
37 years from her virginity, and she had been a widow even for
fourscore and four years), which departed not from the temple,
38 worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day. And
coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of
him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
[Footnote 1: Gr. _bondservant_.]
[Footnote 2: Gr. _Master_.]
[Footnote 3: Or, _the unveiling of the Gentiles_.]
[Footnote 4: Gr. _advanced in many days_.]
[Footnote a: The four New Testament psalms, given by Luke, breathe the
atmosphere of Old Testament piety, quite in contrast to the formalism of
the Pharisees and yet thoroughly Jewish in background and Christian in
sentiment. But it is primitive Christian feeling. Section 7 gives the
Magnificat of Mary in response to the song of Elisabeth in Sect. 6. In
Sect. 8 we have the _Benedictus_ of Zacharias and in Sect. 13 The _Nunc
Dimittis_ of Simeon.]
Sect. 14. MAGI VISIT THE NEW-BORN KING OF THE JEWS
Jerusalem and Bethlehem
Matt. 2:1-12
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of
Herod the king, behold, [1]wise men from the east [_see Num.
2 24:17_] came to Jerusalem, saying, [2]Where is he that is born King
of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to
3 worship him. And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and
4 all Jerusalem with him. And gathering together all the chief
priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the
5 Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of
Judea: for thus it is written [3]by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah,
Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah:
For out of thee shall come forth a governor [_see Mic. 5:1-2_],
Which shall be shepherd of my people Israel.
7 Then Herod privily called the [1]wise men, and learned of them
8 carefully [4]what time the star appeared. And he sent them to
Bethlehem, and said, Go and search out carefully concerning the
young child; and when ye have found _him_, bring me word, that I
9 also may come and worship him. And they, having heard the king,
went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went
before them, till it came and stood over where the young child
10 was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding
11 great joy. And they came into the house and saw the young child
with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and
opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and
12 frankincense and myrrh. And being warned _of God_ in a dream that
they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own
country another way.
[Footnote 1: Gr. _Magi_. Compare Esther 1:13; Dan. 2:12.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _Where is the King of the Jews that is born?_]
[Footnote 3: Or, _through_.]
[Footnote 4: Or, _the time of the star that appeared_.]
Sect. 15. THE CHILD JESUS CARRIED TO EGYPT, AND THE CHILDREN AT BETHLEHEM
SLAIN
Probably B.C. 5
Matt. 2:13-18
13 Now when they were departed, behold, an angel of the Lord
appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young
child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until
I tell thee: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and
15 departed into Egypt; and was there until the death of Herod: that
it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the
prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son [_see Hos. 11:1_].
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the [1]wise men, was
exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children
that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two
years old and under, according to the time which he had carefully
17 learned of the [1]wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was
spoken [2]by Jeremiah the prophet, saying [_see Jer. 31:15_],
18 A voice was heard in Ramah,
Weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children;
And she would not be comforted, because they are not.
[Footnote 1: Gr. _Magi_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _through_.]
Sect. 16. THE CHILD BROUGHT FROM EGYPT TO NAZARETH
Probably B.C. 4
Matt. 2:19-23 |Luke 2:39
|
19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel|
of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph |
20 in Egypt, saying, Arise and take the young |39 And when they
child and his mother, and go into the land | had accomplished
of Israel: for they are dead that sought | all things that were
21 the young child's life. And he arose and | according to the law
took the young child and his mother, and | of the Lord, they
22 came into the land of Israel. But when he | returned into
heard that Archelaus was reigning over | Galilee, to their
Judea in the room of his father Herod, he | own city Nazareth.
was afraid to go thither; and being warned |
_of God_ in a dream, he withdrew into the |
23 parts of Galilee, and came and dwelt in a |
city called Nazareth: that it might be |
fulfilled which was spoken [1]by the |
prophets,[a] that he should be called a |
Nazarene. |
[Footnote 1: Or, _through_.]
[Footnote a: _Cf._ Isa. 11:1 where the Messiah is called _Netzer_, a
Branch, though Nazareth is not mentioned in the Old Testament.]
Sect. 17. THE CHILDHOOD OF JESUS AT NAZARETH
Probably B.C. 4 to A.D. 7
Luke 2:40
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong, [1]filled with wisdom: and
the grace of God was upon him.[a]
[Footnote 1: Gr. _becoming full of wisdom_.]
[Footnote a: This simple statement of Luke tells more in one sentence
than all the apocryphal Gospels of the Infancy, with their silly legends
about the miraculous prowess of the child Jesus.]
Sect. 18. THE VISIT OF THE BOY JESUS TO JERUSALEM WHEN TWELVE YEARS OLD
Probably A.D. 7 or 8
Luke 2:41-50
41 And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the
42 passover [_see Ex. 23:14-17; Deut. 16:1-8_]. And when he was
43 twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast; and
when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy
Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not;
44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey;
45 and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance: and
when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for
46 him. And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the
temple, sitting in the midst of the [1]doctors, both hearing them,
47 and asking them questions: and all that heard him were amazed at
48 his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him, they
were astonished: and his mother said unto him, [2]Son, why hast
thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee
49 sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me?
50 wist ye not that I must be [3]in my Father's house? And they
understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
[Footnote 1: Or, _teachers_.]
[Footnote 2: Gr. _Child_.]
[Footnote 3: Or, _about my Father's business_.]
Sect. 19. THE EIGHTEEN YEARS[a] AT NAZARETH
Probably A.D. 7 to A.D. 26 (or 6 to 25)
Luke 2:51-52
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and he was
subject unto them: and his mother kept all _these_ [1]sayings in
her heart.
52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and [2]stature, and in [3]favour
with God and men [_see 1 Sam. 2:26_].
[Footnote 1: Or, _things_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _age_.]
[Footnote 3: Or, _grace_.]
[Footnote a: After the return to Nazareth, we know nothing of Jesus' life
at that place beyond the general statements of Luke 2:52, with the
knowledge and dispositions indicated in the narrative of Sect. 18 and the
fact that he was a carpenter, until he comes forth to be baptized by
John, his forerunner. The social and political conditions of this period
in Galilee are described by Edersheim, D. Smith, and other writers on the
Life of Jesus, and briefly stated in Broadus's Commentary on Matthew, p.
30 f. Dwell on the general statement of Luke 2:52. Other passages throw
light on the life in Nazareth as to habits of worship (Luke 4:16), the
family group of brothers and sisters (Mark 6:3 = Matt. 13:55 f.), work as
carpenter (_ibid._). A helpful book on this obscure period is Ramsay's
_The Education of Christ_.]
PART V
THE BEGINNING OF THE BAPTIST'S MINISTRY
Probably six months and in A.D. 25. In the Wilderness of Judea and beside
the Jordan, Sects. 20-23
Sect. 20. THE TIME OF THE BEGINNING
Mark 1:1 |Luke 3:1-2
|
1 The beginning of | 1 Now in the fifteenth [a]year of the
the gospel of Jesus | reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate
Christ, [1]the Son | being governor of Judea, and Herod being
God. | tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother
| Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea
| and Trachonitis, and Lysanias[b] tetrarch
| 2 Abilene, in the highpriesthood of Annas
| and Caiaphas, the word of God came unto
| John the son of Zacharias in the
| wilderness.
[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities omit _the son of God_.]
[Footnote a: See note 6 at end of Harmony.]
[Footnote b: See note 6. Luke follows the custom of ancient historians in
dating events by the names of the rulers. As the son of a priest John was
probably thirty years old when he came forth.]
Sect. 21. THE MESSAGE AND THE MESSENGER
Mark 1:2-6 |Matt. 3:1-6 |Luke 3:3-6
| |
2 Even as it is | 1 And in those days | 3 And he came into
written [1]in Isaiah| cometh John the | all the region
the prophet, | Baptist, preaching | round about Jordan,
Behold, I send my | in the wilderness of| preaching the
messenger before| 2 Judea, saying,[a] | baptism of
thy face [_see | Repent ye; for the | repentance unto
Mal. 3:1_], | kingdom of heaven is| remission of sins;
Who shall prepare | 3 at hand. For this is| 4 as it is written
thy way; | he that was spoken | in the book of the
3 The voice of one | of [2]by Isaiah the | words of Isaiah the
crying in the | prophet, saying, | prophet,
wilderness [_see| The voice of one | The voice of one
Isa. 40:3_], | crying in the | crying in the
Make ye ready the | wilderness, | wilderness,
way of the Lord,| Make ye ready the | Make ye ready the
Make his paths | way of the Lord,| way of the
straight; | Make his paths | Lord,
4 John came, who | straight. | Make his paths
baptized in the | 4 Now John himself had| straight.
wilderness and | his raiment of | 5 Every valley
preached the baptism| camel's hair, and a | shall be
of repentance unto | leathern girdle | filled,
remission of sins. | about his loins; and| And every
And there went out | his food was locusts| mountain and
unto him all the | 5 and wild honey. Then| hill shall be
country of Judea, | went out unto him | brought low;
and all they of | Jerusalem, and all | And the crooked
Jerusalem; and they | Judea, and all the | shall become
were baptized of him| region round about | straight,
in the river Jordan,| 6 Jordan; and they | And the rough
confessing their | were baptized of him| ways smooth;
sins. And John was | in the river Jordan,| 6 And all flesh
clothed with camel's| confessing their | shall see the
hair, and _had_ a | sins. | salvation of
leathern girdle | | God [_see Isa.
about his loins, and| | 40:4-5_].
did eat locusts and | |
wild honey. | |
[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities read _in the prophets_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _through_.]
[Footnote a: See Mark 1:15 (= Matt. 4:17); Matt. 10:7; Acts 2:38.]
Sect. 22. A SPECIMEN[a] OF JOHN'S PREACHING
Matt. 3:7-10 |Luke 3:7-14
|
7 But when he saw many of the | 7 He said therefore to the
Pharisees and Sadducees | multitudes that went out to be
coming to his baptism, he | baptized of him, Ye offspring of
said unto them, Ye offspring| vipers, who warned you to flee from
of vipers, who warned you to| 8 the wrath to come? Bring forth
flee from the wrath to come?| therefore fruits worthy of
8 Bring forth therefore fruit | [1]repentance, and begin not to say
9 worthy of [1]repentance: and| within yourselves, We have Abraham
think not to say within | to our father: for I say unto you,
yourselves, We have Abraham | that God is able of these stones to
to our father: for I say | raise up children unto Abraham.
unto you, that God is able | 9 And even now is the axe also laid
of these stones to raise up | unto the root of the trees: every
10 children unto Abraham. And | tree therefore that bringeth not
even now is the axe laid | forth good fruit is hewn down, and
unto the root of the trees: |10 cast into the fire. And the
every tree therefore that | multitudes asked him, saying, What
bringeth not forth good |11 then must we do? And he answered
fruit is hewn down, and cast| and said unto them, He that hath
into the fire. | two coats, let him impart to him
| that hath none; and he that hath
12 food, let him do likewise. And there came also [2]publicans to be
13 baptized, and they said unto him, [3]Master, what must we do? And
14 he said unto them, Extort no more than that which is appointed
you. And [4]soldiers also asked him, saying, And we, what must we
do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither [5]exact
_anything_ wrongfully; and be content with your wages.
[Footnote 1: Or, _your repentance_.]
[Footnote 2: That is, _collectors or renters of Roman taxes_.]
[Footnote 3: Or, _Teacher_.]
[Footnote 4: Gr. _soldiers on service_.]
[Footnote 5: Or, _accuse_ any one.]
[Footnote a: Here we see Matthew and Luke preserving a non-Markan
section, as so frequently hereafter, an example of the so-called Logia
(Discourses).]
Sect. 23. THE FORERUNNER'S PICTURE OF THE MESSIAH BEFORE SEEING HIM
Mark 1:7-8 |Matt. 3:11-12 |Luke 3:15-18
| |
7 And he preached, |11 I indeed baptize |15 And as the
saying, There cometh| you [1]with water | people were in
after me he that is | unto repentance: but| expectation, and
mightier than I, the| he that cometh after| all men reasoned
latchet of whose | me is mightier than | in their hearts
shoes I am not | I, whose shoes I am | concerning John,
[2]worthy to stoop | not [2]worthy to | whether haply he
8 down and unloose. I | bear: he shall | were the Christ;
baptized you [1]with| baptize you [1]with |16 John answered,
water; but he shall | the [3]Holy Ghost | saying unto them
baptize you [1]with |12 and _with _fire: | all, I indeed
the [3]Holy Ghost. | whose fan is in his | baptize you with
| hand, and he will | water; but there
| throughly cleanse | cometh he that is
| his threshing-floor;| mightier than I,
| and he will gather | the latchet of
| his wheat into the | whose shoes I am
| garner, but the | not [2]worthy to
| chaff he will burn | unloose: he shall
| up with unquenchable| baptize you [1]with
| fire. | the [3]Holy Ghost
| | and _with_ fire:
17 whose fan is in his hand, throughly to cleanse his threshing-floor,
and to gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn
up with unquenchable fire.
18 With many other exhortations therefore preached he [4]good
tidings unto the people.[a]
[Footnote 1: Or, _in_.]
[Footnote 2: Gr. _sufficient_.]
[Footnote 3: Or, _Holy Spirit_.]
[Footnote 4: Or, _the gospel_.]
[Footnote a: One can easily put together all that we are told of John the
Baptist in John 1:6-15 and in Sections 4, 6, 8, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26,
27, 28, 33, 34, 49, 57, 71, 86, 132. See also Acts 1:5, 22; 10:37; 13:24;
18:25; 19:1-7. For a full discussion of the Baptist see my _John the
Loyal_. These months of John's ministry prepared the way for the
Messiah.]
PART VI
THE BEGINNING OF CHRIST'S PUBLIC MINISTRY
THE YEAR OF OBSCURITY[a]
Probably Part of A.D. 26 and 27
_In all parts of the Holy Land (the first Perean Ministry, the first
Galilean Ministry, the first Judean Ministry, the first Samaritan
Ministry). Sects. 24-36. This early ministry includes the baptism, the
temptation, John's witness to Jesus, the first disciples, the first
miracle and work in Galilee, the first work in Judea, the arrest of John,
the work in Samaria, and the return to Galilee._
[Footnote a: The precise duration of this early ministry cannot be
determined. Our Lord's baptism must have been at least two months
_before_ the Passover, and may have been some weeks or months earlier.
Then the highly successful ministry in Judea _after_ the Passover must
have lasted several months (John 3:22; 4:1-3). If the "yet four months"
in John 4:35 be understood to be not a common saying as to the usual
interval between seedtime and harvest, but a statement that it was _then_
just four months before harvest, that would make the Judean ministry
extend eight months after the Passover. But this interpretation is upon
the whole improbable, and we can only say that the opening ministry
lasted several months. The time occupied makes very little difference for
our understanding the events and discourses. All of the incidents during
this period after the temptation are given in John's Gospel. But for the
Fourth Gospel we should not know that Jesus did not plunge at once into
the great Galilean Ministry.]
Sect. 24. JESUS BAPTIZED BY JOHN IN THE JORDAN
Bethany beyond Jordan. Probably A.D. 26
Mark 1:9-11 |Matt. 3:13-17 |Luke 3:21-23
| |
9 And it came to |13 Then cometh Jesus |
pass in those days, | from Galilee to the |
that Jesus came from| [a]Jordan unto John,|
Nazareth of Galilee,| to be baptized of |
and was baptized of |14 him. But John would |
John [4]in the | have hindered him, |
Jordan. | saying, I have need |
| to be baptized of |
| thee, and comest |
|15 thou to me? But |
| Jesus answering said|
| unto him, Suffer |
| [1]_it_ now: for |
| thus it becometh us |
| to fulfil all |
| righteousness. Then |21 Now it came to
10 And straightway | he suffereth him. | pass, when all the
coming up out of the|16 And Jesus, when he | people were
water, he saw the | was baptized, went | baptized, that,
heavens rent | up straightway from | Jesus also having
| the water: and lo, | been baptized, and
| the heavens were | praying, the
| opened [2]unto him, |22 heaven was opened,
| and he saw the | and the Holy Ghost
asunder, and the | Spirit of God | [b]descended in a
Spirit as a dove | descending as a | bodily form, as a
descending upon him:| dove, and coming | dove, upon him
11 and a voice came out|17 upon him; and lo, a | [_see John
of the heavens, Thou| voice out of the | 1:32-34_], and a
art my beloved Son, | heavens, saying, | voice came out of
in thee I am well | [3]This is my | heaven, Thou art
pleased [_see Ps. | beloved Son, in whom| my beloved Son; in
2:7; Isa. 42:1_]. | I am well pleased. | thee [c]I am well
| |23 pleased. And Jesus
| | himself, when he
| | began _to teach_,
| | was about thirty
| | years of age.
[Footnote 1: Or, me.]
[Footnote 2: Some ancient authorities omit _unto him_.]
[Footnote 3: Or, _This is my son; my beloved in whom I am well
pleased._]
[Footnote 4: Gr. _into_.]
[Footnote a: The Gospel of the Hebrews (one of the apocryphal gospels) is
quoted by Jerome (_adv. Pelag._ iii, 2) as having the following: "Behold,
the Lord's mother and His brethren were saying to Him, John the Baptist
baptizes unto the remission of sins; let us go and be baptized by him.
But he said unto them, What sin have I done, that I should go and be
baptized by him? unless perchance this very thing which I have said is an
ignorance."]
[Footnote b: The Gospel of John does not describe the baptism of Jesus,
but refers to the event in a way that shows knowledge of the Synoptic
Gospels.]
[Footnote c: Codex Bezae (D) reads in Luke: "Thou art my beloved son,
to-day have I begotten thee." The Gospel of the Ebionites has: "Thou art
my beloved son, in thee I am well pleased, to-day I have begotten thee."
See Sect. 85 for similar language at the Transfiguration.]
Sect. 25. THE THREE TEMPTATIONS[a] OF JESUS
The Wilderness of Judea. Probably A.D. 26
Mark 1:12-13 |Matt. 4:1-11 |Luke 4:1-13
| |
12 And | 1 Then was Jesus led | 1 And Jesus, full of
straightway the | up of the Spirit into| the Holy Spirit,
Spirit driveth | the wilderness to be | returned from the
him forth into | tempted of the devil.| Jordan, and was led
the wilderness. | 2 And when he had | 2 [3]by the Spirit in
13 And he was in | fasted forty days and| the wilderness during
the wilderness | forty nights, he | forty days, being
forty days | afterward hungered. | tempted of the devil
tempted of | 3 And the tempter came | [_see Heb. 4:15_].
Satan; and he | and said unto him, If| And he did eat
was with the | thou art the Son of | nothing in those
wild beasts; | God, command that | days: and when they
| these stones become | were completed, he
| 4 [1]bread. But he | 3 hungered. And the
| answered and said, It| devil said unto him,
| is written [_see | If thou art the Son
| Deut. 8:3_], Man | of God, command this
| shall not live by | stone that it become
| bread alone, but by | 4 [4]bread. And Jesus
| every word that | answered unto him, It
| proceedeth out of the| is written [_see
| 5 mouth of God. Then | Deut. 8:3_], Man
| the devil taketh him | shall not live by
| into the holy city; | 5 bread alone. And he
| and he set him on the| led him up, and
| [2]pinnacle of the | shewed him all the
| 6 temple, and saith | kingdoms of [5]the
| unto him, If thou art| world in a moment of
| the Son of God, cast | 6 time. And the devil
| thyself down: for it | said unto him, To
| is written [_see Ps. | thee will I give all
| 91:11-12_], | this authority, and
| He shall give his | the glory of them:
| angels charge | for it hath been
| concerning thee: | delivered unto me;
| And on their hands | and to whomsoever I
| they shall bear | 7 will I give it. If
| thee up, | thou therefore wilt
| Lest haply thou | worship before me, it
| dash thy foot | shall all be thine.
| against a stone. | 8 And Jesus answered
| 7 Jesus said unto him, | and said unto him, It
| Again it is written | is written [_see
| [_see Deut. 6:16_], | Deut. 6:13_], Thou
| Thou shalt not tempt | shalt worship the
| the Lord thy God. | Lord thy God, and him
| 8 Again, the devil | only shalt thou
| taketh him unto an | 9 serve. And he led him
| exceeding high | to Jerusalem, and set
| mountain, and sheweth| him on the [2]pinnacle
| him all the kingdoms | of the temple, and
| of the world, and the| said unto him, If
| 9 glory of them; and he| thou art the Son of
| said unto him, All | God, cast thyself
| these things will I |10 down from hence: for
| give thee, if thou | it is written [_see
| wilt fall down and | Ps. 91:11-12_],
|10 worship me. Then | He shall give his
| saith Jesus unto him,| angels charge
| Get thee hence, | concerning thee,
| Satan: for it is | to guard thee:
| written [_see Deut. |11 And on their hands
| 6:13_], Thou shalt | they shall bear
| worship the Lord thy | thee up,
| God, and him only | Lest haply thou
| shalt thou serve. | dash thy foot
| | against a stone.
| |12 And Jesus answering
| | said unto him, It is
| | said [_Deut. 6:16_],
| | Thou shalt not tempt
| | the Lord thy God.
|11 Then the devil |13 And when the devil
| leaveth him; and | had completed every
and the angels | behold angels came | temptation, he
ministered unto | and ministered unto | departed from him
him. | him. | [6]for a season.
[Footnote 1: Gr. _loaves_.]
[Footnote 2: Gr. _wing_.]
[Footnote 3: Or, _in_.]
[Footnote 4: Or, _a loaf_.]
[Footnote 5: Gr. _the inhabited earth_.]
[Footnote 6: Or, _until_.]
[Footnote a: Mark gives only a summary account while the Logia (the
oldest known record) tells the temptations in detail. This early document
reveals the Messianic consciousness of Jesus as distinctly as it appears
in the Gospel of John. The record of the baptism in Sect. 24 and of the
temptation in Sect. 25 goes back to the two oldest strata of the Gospel
sources (Mark or the Memoirs of Peter and the Logia of Matthew) and shows
that Jesus enters upon his Messianic work knowing that he had his
Father's approval and the power of the Holy Spirit upon him.]
Sect. 26. THE TESTIMONY OF THE BAPTIST TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE SANHEDRIN
At Bethany beyond Jordan
John 1:19-28
19 And this is the witness of John, when the Jews sent unto him from
20 Jerusalem priests and Levites to ask him, Who art thou? And he
confessed, and denied not; and he confessed, I am not the Christ.
21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elijah? And he saith, I am
22 not. Art thou the prophet? And he answered, No. They said
therefore unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to
23 them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the
voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the
24 Lord, as said Isaiah the prophet [_see Isa. 40:3_]. [1]And they
25 had been sent from the Pharisees.[a] And they asked him, and said
unto him, Why then baptizest thou, if thou art not the Christ,
26 neither Elijah, neither the prophet? John answered them, saying, I
baptize [2]with water: in the midst of you standeth one whom ye
27 know not, _even_ he that cometh after me, the latchet of whose
28 shoe I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in
[3]Bethany beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
[Footnote 1: Or, _And_ certain _had been sent from among the
Pharisees_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _in_.]
[Footnote 3: Many ancient authorities read _Bethabarah_, some
_Betharabah_.]
[Footnote a: In 1:19 the priests and Levites are Sadducees. The idea
seems to be that the Pharisees had the Sadducees sent on this embassy
(_cf._ Sect. 22). Later Jesus will say that John was Elijah that was to
come; some will even take Jesus to be Elijah.]
Sect. 27. JOHN'S IDENTIFICATION OF JESUS AS THE MESSIAH
At Bethany beyond the Jordan
John 1:29-34
29 On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold,
the Lamb of God, which [1]taketh away the sin of the world [_see
30 Isa. 53:7_]! This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man
31 which is become before me: for he was [2]before me. And I knew him
not; but that he should be made manifest to Israel, for this cause
32 came I baptizing [3]with water. And John bare witness, saying, I
have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven; and it
33 abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize
[3]with water, he said unto me, Upon whomsoever thou shalt see the
Spirit descending, and abiding upon him, the same is he that
34 baptizeth [3]with the Holy Spirit. And I have seen, and have borne
witness that this is the son of God.[a]
[Footnote 1: Or, _beareth the sin._]
[Footnote 2: Gr. _first in regard of me_.]
[Footnote 3: Or, _in_.]
[Footnote a: Put together the Baptist's testimonies to Jesus in sections
21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 33, 57. Add John 1:6-15. Note also the four
testimonies of Jesus to John, sections 49, 57, 86, 132. Observe the four
successive days here in John 1:19, 29, 35, 43, and the third day from the
last in John 2:1, making a week that is covered in detail (_cf._ the
Passion Week at the close). We have other glimpses of special days in the
ministry, as the Busy Day of the blasphemous accusation and the parables
(Matt. 12 and 13). In John 1:39 the very hour is preserved, probably
Roman time (ten in the morning), as John writes long after the
destruction of Jerusalem and outside of Palestine and uses the Roman
reckoning (midnight to midnight) in John 20:19. But see note 11 at end of
Harmony for Ramsay's objections to this view.]
Sect. 28. JESUS MAKES HIS FIRST[a] DISCIPLES
At Bethany beyond the Jordan
John 1:35-51
35 Again on the morrow John was standing, and two of his disciples;
36 and he looked upon Jesus as he walked, and saith, Behold, the Lamb
37 of God [_see Isa. 53:7_]! And the two disciples heard him speak,
38 and they followed Jesus. And Jesus turned, and beheld them
following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? And they said unto
him, Rabbi (which is to say, being interpreted, [1]Master), where
39 abidest thou? He saith unto them, Come, and ye shall see. They
came therefore and saw where he abode; and they abode with him
40 that day: it was about the tenth hour. One of the two that heard
John _speak_, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
41 He findeth first his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We
have found the Messiah (which is, being interpreted, [2]Christ).
42 He brought him unto Jesus. Jesus looked upon him, and said, thou
art Simon the son of [3]John: thou shalt be called Cephas (which
is by interpretation, [4]Peter).
43 On the morrow he was minded to go forth into Galilee, and he
44 findeth Philip: and Jesus saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip
45 was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip
findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom
Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth,
46 the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can any good thing
47 come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus
saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold, an
48 Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him,
Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before
Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49 Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the son of God; thou art
50 King of Israel[b] [_see 2 Sam. 7:14; Ps. 2:7_]. Jesus answered and
said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee underneath the
fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than
51 these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye
shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and
descending upon the Son of man[c] [_see Gen. 28:12_].
[Footnote 1: Or, _Teacher_.]
[Footnote 2: That is, _Anointed_.]
[Footnote 3: Gr. _Joanes_: called in Matt. 16:17, _Jonah_.]
[Footnote 4: That is, _Rock_ or _Stone_.]
[Footnote a: Notice here a series of First Things; first testimony of
John, first disciples, first miracle, first residence at Capernaum, first
passover during his ministry, first extended discourse.]
[Footnote b: Notice that these first disciples at once believed that
Jesus was the Messiah (ver. 41, 45, 49). Compare the confession of Jesus
(Sect. 35) to the Woman at Jacob's well and the confessions of Peter in
Matt. 14:33; John 6:69; Matt. 16:16 (Sects. 74, 76, 82).]
[Footnote c: _Cf._ the close of the temptation in the wilderness and the
experience in the Garden of Gethsemane.]
Sect. 29. JESUS WORKS HIS FIRST MIRACLE
At Cana in Galilee
John 2:1-11
1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and
2 the mother of Jesus was there: and Jesus also was bidden, and his
3 disciples, to the marriage. And when the wine failed, the mother
4 of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. And Jesus saith unto
her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet
5 come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto
6 you, do it. Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after
the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two or three firkins
7 apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And
8 they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out
now, and bear unto the [1]ruler of the feast. And they bare it.
9 And when the ruler of the feast tasted the water [2]now become
wine, and knew not whence it was (but the servants which had drawn
the water knew), the ruler of the feast calleth the bridegroom,
10 and saith unto him, Every man setteth on first the good wine; and
when _men_ have drunk freely, _then_ that which is worse: thou
11 hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of his signs did
Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his
disciples believed on him.
[Footnote 1: Or, _steward_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _that it had become_.]
Sect. 30. JESUS MAKES A FIRST SOJOURN AT CAPERNAUM, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS
KINDRED AND HIS EARLY DISCIPLES
(Later Capernaum will become his home)
John 2:12
12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and
_his_ brethren, and his disciples: and there they abode not many
days.
Sect. 31. THE FIRST[a] CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE AT THE PASSOVER
Jerusalem.[b] Probably A.D. 27
John 2:13-22
13 And the passover[c] of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to
14 Jerusalem. And he found in the temple those that sold oxen and
15 sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: and he made a
scourge of cords, and cast all out of the temple, both the sheep
and the oxen; and he poured out the changers' money, and overthrew
16 their tables; and to them that sold the doves he said, Take these
things hence; make not my Father's house a house of merchandise.
17 His disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine
18 house shall eat me up [_see Ps. 69:9_]. The Jews therefore
answered and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing
19 thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them,
20 Destroy this [1]temple, and in three days I will raise it up. The
Jews therefore said, Forty and six years was this [1]temple in
21 building, and wilt thou raise it up in three days? But he spake of
22 the [1]temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the
dead, his disciples remembered that he spake this; and they
believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
[Footnote 1: Or, _sanctuary_.]
[Footnote a: Many scholars consider this the same incident as that in the
Synoptic Gospels and placed by them in Passion Week (Sect. 129) probably
on Monday. It is urged that Jesus would not have repeated such an act and
hence one must follow either the order of John or of the Synoptics. But
there is no inherent difficulty in the repetition of such an act when one
reflects on the natural indignation of Jesus at the desecration of the
temple on his visit during his ministry and considers that Jesus may have
wished to make one last protest at the close of his ministry. Certainty,
of course, is not possible in such an argument one way or the other.]
[Footnote b: Observe the successive _scenes_ of this early
ministry--beside the Jordan, on the eastern side, at Cana of Galilee, at
Capernaum, at Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria.]
[Footnote c: This is the first of the passovers in John's Gospel (2:13;
6:4; 13:1). There may have been another.]
Sect. 32. THE INTERVIEW OF NICODEMUS WITH JESUS
At Jerusalem during the Passover
John 2:23 to 3:21
23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, during the feast,
24 many believed on his name, beholding his signs which he did. But
25 Jesus did not trust himself unto them, for that he knew all men,
and because he needed not that any one should bear witness
concerning [1]man; for he himself knew what was in man.
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus,[a] a ruler
2 of the Jews: the same came unto him by night, and said to him,
Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man
3 can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus
answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born [2]anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old?
can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be
born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of
6 God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is
7 born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye
8 must be born [2]anew. [3]The wind bloweth where it listeth, and
thou hearest the voice thereof, but knowest not whence it cometh,
and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou the teacher of Israel,
11 and understandest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto
thee, We speak that we do know, and bear witness of that we have
12 seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I told you earthly
things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you
13 heavenly things? And no man hath ascended into heaven, but he that
descended out of heaven, _even_ the Son of man, [4]which is in
14 heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness [_see
15 Num. 21:8-9_], even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that
whosoever [5]believeth may in him have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have
17 eternal life. For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the
18 world; but that the world should be saved through him. He that
believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not has been
judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the
19 only begotten Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light
is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the
20 light; for their works were evil. For every one that [6]doeth ill
hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works
21 should be [7]reproved. But he that doeth the truth cometh to the
light, that his works may be made manifest, [8]that they have been
wrought in God.
[Footnote 1: Or, _a man; for ... the man_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _from above_.]
[Footnote 3: Or, _The Spirit breatheth_.]
[Footnote 4: Many ancient authorities omit _which is in heaven_.]
[Footnote 5: Or, _believeth in him may have_.]
[Footnote 6: Or, _practiseth_.]
[Footnote 7: Or, _convicted_.]
[Footnote 8: Or, _because_.]
[Footnote a: Nicodemus appears as an exception to the statement of 2:24,
as one whom Jesus did trust, and who amid all difficulties of temperament
and station proved not unworthy of the trust.]
Sect. 33. THE PARALLEL MINISTRY OF JESUS AND JOHN WITH JOHN'S LOYALTY TO
JESUS[a]
John 3:22-36
22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of
23 Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also
was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there [1]was much
24 water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not
25 yet cast into prison. There arose therefore a questioning on the
26 part of John's disciples with a Jew about purifying. And they came
unto John, and said to him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond
Jordan, to whom thou hast borne witness, behold, the same
27 baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man
28 can receive nothing, except it have been given him from heaven. Ye
yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but,
29 that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the
bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and
heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice:
30 this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must
decrease.
31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth
is of the earth, and of the earth he speaketh: [2]he that cometh
32 from heaven is above all. What he hath seen and heard, of that he
33 beareth witness; and no man receiveth his witness. He that hath
received his witness hath set his seal to _this_, that God is
34 true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for he
35 giveth not the Spirit by measure. The Father loveth the Son, and
36 hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son
hath eternal life; but he that [3]obeyeth not the Son shall not
see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.
[Footnote 1: Gr. _were many waters_.]
[Footnote 2: Some ancient authorities read _he that cometh from
heaven beareth witness of what he hath seen and heard_.]
[Footnote 3: Or, _believeth not_.]
[Footnote a: Jesus gained his first disciples from John at Bethany beyond
Jordan and many in Jerusalem. Now he is surpassing John. On John's
loyalty to Jesus see my _John the Loyal_.]
Sect. 34. CHRIST'S REASONS FOR LEAVING JUDEA
John 4:1-4
1 When therefore the Lord knew how that the Pharisees had heard
2 that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John
3 (although Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples), he left
4 Judea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs pass
through Samaria.
Luke 3:19, 20
19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his
brother's wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done,
20 added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.[a]
Mark 1:14 |Matt. 4:12 |Luke 4:14
| |
14 Now after that |12 Now when he heard |14 And Jesus
John was delivered | that John was | returned in the
up, Jesus came into | delivered up, he | power of the Spirit
Galilee. | withdrew into | into Galilee.
| Galilee. |
[Footnote a: The place of John's imprisonment was Machaerus, east of the
Dead Sea. See Josephus. _War_, Ch. VII, vi. In _Antiquities_, Ch. XVIII,
v, 2 Josephus gives the public and political reason for John's
imprisonment because of Herod's fear of a revolution. He "feared lest the
great influences John had over the people might put it into his power and
inclination to raise a rebellion."]
Sect. 35. JESUS IN SAMARIA.[a]
At Jacob's Well and in Sychar
John 4:5-42
5 So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the
6 parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph: and Jacob's
[1]well was there [_see Josh. 24:32_]. Jesus therefore, being
wearied with his journey, sat [2]thus by the [1]well. It was about
7 the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water:
8 Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. For his disciples were
9 gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman therefore
saith unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of
me, which am a Samaritan woman? ([3]For Jews have no dealings with
10 Samaritans.) Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the
gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink;
thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee
11 living water. The woman saith unto him, [4]Sir, thou hast nothing
to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou
12 that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which
gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his
13 cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh
14 of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the
water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that
I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up
15 unto eternal life. The woman saith unto him, [4]Sir, give me this
water, that I thirst not, neither come all the way hither to draw.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The
17 woman answered and said unto him, I have no husband. Jesus saith
18 unto her, Thou saidst well, I have no husband: for thou hast had
five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: this
19 hast thou said truly. The woman saith unto him, [4]Sir, I perceive
20 that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain;
and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to
21 worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh,
when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall ye worship
22 the Father. Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that
23 which we know: for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour
cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the
Father in spirit and truth: [5]for such doth the Father seek to be
24 his worshippers. [6]God is a Spirit: and they that worship him
25 must worship in spirit and truth. The woman saith unto him, I know
that Messiah cometh (which is called Christ): when he is come, he
26 will declare unto us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that
speak unto thee am _he_.
27 And upon this came his disciples; and they marvelled that he was
speaking with a woman; yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why
28 speakest thou with her? So the woman left her waterpot, and went
29 away into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which
30 told me all things that _ever_ I did: can this be the Christ? They
31 went out of the city, and were coming to him. In the mean while
32 the disciples prayed him, saying, Rabbi, eat. But he said to them,
33 I have meat to eat that ye know not. The disciples therefore said
34 one to another, Hath any man brought him _aught_ to eat? Jesus
saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me,
35 and to accomplish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months,
and _then_ cometh the harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up
your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are [7]white already
36 unto harvest. He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit
unto life eternal; that he that soweth and he that reapeth may
37 rejoice together. For herein is the saying true, One soweth, and
38 another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye have not
laboured: others have laboured, and ye are entered into their
labour.
39 And from that city many of the Samaritans believed on him
[a]because of the word of the woman, who testified, He told me all
40 things that _ever_ I did. So when the Samaritans came unto him,
they besought him to abide with them: and he abode there two days.
41 And many more believed because of his word; and they said to the
42 woman, Now we believe, not because of thy speaking: for we have
heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Saviour of
the world.[b]
[Footnote 1: Gr. _spring_: and so in ver. 14; but not in ver. 11,
12.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _as he was_.]
[Footnote 3: Some ancient authorities omit _For Jews have no
dealings with Samaritans._]
[Footnote 4: Or, _Lord_.]
[Footnote 5: Or, _for such the Father also seeketh_.]
[Footnote 6: Or, _God is spirit_.]
[Footnote 7: Or, _white unto harvest. Already he that reapeth
&c._]
[Footnote a: Notice that John also had recently been preaching to
Samaritans (Sect. 33) and compare hereafter Philip's work in the city of
Samaria (Acts 8:5 ff.)]
[Footnote b: In this early ministry Jesus allowed himself to be regarded
as the Messiah by his first disciples (Sect. 28), and personally declared
that he was the Messiah to the woman at the well (Sect. 35) (John 4:26),
which many other Samaritans also personally believed (John 4:39, 42). He
never declared this to the Jewish rulers at Jerusalem till the very end
(Sect. 155), doubtless because such an avowal would lead them to kill
him, and so must not be made till his work in teaching the people and
training his disciples should be completed. Compare what he says later to
Peter in Matt. 16:17-20 (Sect. 82). At the baptism and the temptation of
Jesus it was clear that Jesus knew that he was the Son of God, the
Messiah, and was so regarded by the Baptist. Events in Judea and Galilee
change the early policy of Jesus and lead to silence on his part in the
use of the word Messiah, though many of the people know that he makes
Messianic claims and the rulers in Jerusalem come to suspect him and to
fear him. See my volume on _The Pharisees and Jesus_.]
Sect. 36. THE ARRIVAL OF JESUS IN GALILEE
John 4:43-45
43 And after the two days he went forth from thence into Galilee.
44 For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his
45 own country [_see Luke 4:24; Mark 6:4; Matt. 13:57_]. So when he
came into Galilee, the Galileans received him, having seen all the
things that he did in Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went
unto the feast.
PART VII
THE GREAT GALILEAN MINISTRY
Probably[a] Autumn of A.D. 27 to Spring of 29
(Apparently about a year and a half)
_Sects. 37-71. Great fulness of detail in Mark for this period and
condensed report in Luke while Matthew is chiefly topical in this
portion. Mark's Gospel plunges at once into the Great Galilean Ministry
(cf. Peter's summary of Christ's life in Acts 10:36-43 to the household
of Cornelius). The mass of material makes clear grouping difficult, but
there is progress[b] in the development of events._
1. The Rejection at Nazareth and the New Home in Capernaum, Sects.
37-43.
2. The First Tour of Galilee with the Four Fishermen and the Call
of Matthew (Levi) on the Return with the Growing Fame of
Jesus, Sects. 44-48.
3. The Sabbath Controversy in Jerusalem and in Galilee, Sects. 49-51.
4. The Choice of the Twelve and the Sermon on the Mount, Sects.
52-54.
5. The Spread of Christ's Influence and the Inquiry from John in
Prison, Sects. 55-59.
6. The Second Tour of Galilee (now with the Twelve) and the Intense
Hostility of the Pharisees, Sects. 60-63.
7. The First Great Group of Parables with the Visit to Gerasa
(Khersa) and to Nazareth (final one), Sects. 64-69.
8. The Third Tour of Galilee (Following the Twelve) and the Effect
on Herod Antipas, Sects. 70-71.
[Footnote a: We cannot confidently determine the length of the ministry
in Galilee. We are not sure whether it _began_ in summer or late autumn
(see footnote 7 in Explanatory Notes at end of Harmony). If the feast of
John 5:1 was a passover or there is an unknown passover, the Galilean
ministry lasted at least sixteen months, for it _ended_ when another
passover was near (John 6:4). Otherwise we should not certainly know that
it lasted more than some six or eight months. About the two subsequent
periods of our Lord's ministry we shall find no room to question that
each lasted six months; but _here_ we have to admit much uncertainty as
to the time. After all, a determination of the time employed would be a
matter of very little importance to our study of this period. But the
immense amount of material in this period argues for a length of over a
year.]
[Footnote b: Throughout this great ministry in Galilee, and the periods
that will follow after, the reader ought to trace carefully the
_progress_ of the history along several lines: (1) the Saviour's
progressive self-manifestation; (2) the gradual training of the Twelve
who are to carry on his teaching and work after his death; (3) the
deepening and spreading hostility of the Jewish influential classes and
official rulers. By constantly observing these parallel lines of
progress, it will be seen that the history and teachings of our Lord
exhibit a vital growth, moving on to an end by him foreseen (Luke 12:50),
when the hostility of the rulers will culminate as he before the
Sanhedrin avows himself to be the Messiah, and the Twelve will be almost
prepared to succeed him.]
Sect. 37. GENERAL ACCOUNT OF HIS TEACHING IN GALILEE
Mark 1:14-15 |Matt. 4:17 |Luke 4:14-15
| |
14 [Now after that |17 From that time |14 [And Jesus
John was delivered | began Jesus to | returned in the
up, Jesus came into | preach, and to say, | power of [_see
Galilee], preaching | Repent ye; for the | John 4:3, 43_] the
the gospel of God, | kingdom of heaven is| Spirit into
15 and saying, The time| at hand. | Galilee]: and a
is fulfilled, and | | fame went out
the kingdom of God | | concerning him
is at hand: repent | | through all the
ye, and believe in | | region round
the gospel. | |15 about. And he
| | taught in their
| | synagogues, being
| | glorified of all.
_In sections 38-43 (the Rejection at Nazareth and the New Home in
Capernaum) Jesus revisits Cana and Nazareth, recalls the four fishermen
by the Sea of Galilee, and begins his ministry of teaching and healing in
Capernaum._
Sect. 38. THE HEALING AT CANA OF THE SON OF A COURTIER OF CAPERNAUM
John 4:46-54
46 He came therefore again unto Cana of Galilee, where he made the
water wine. And there was a certain [1]nobleman, whose son was
47 sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea
into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought _him_ that he would
come down, and heal his son; for he was at the point of death.
48 Jesus therefore said unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye
49 will in no wise believe. The [1]nobleman saith unto him. [2]Sir,
50 come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy
son liveth. The man believed the word that Jesus spake unto him,
51 and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his [3]servants
52 met him, saying, that his son lived. So he inquired of them the
hour when he began to amend. They said therefore unto him,
53 Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father
knew that _it was_ at that hour in which Jesus said unto him, Thy
54 son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. This is
again the second sign that Jesus did, having come out of Judea
into Galilee.
[Footnote 1: Or, _king's officer_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _Lord_.]
[Footnote 3: Gr. _bondservants_.]
Sect. 39. THE FIRST REJECTION AT NAZARETH
Luke 4:16-31
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and he
entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day,
17 and stood up to read. And there was delivered unto him [1]the book
of the prophet Isaiah. And he opened the [2]book, and found the
place where it was written,
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
[3]Because he anointed me to preach [4]good tidings to the poor:
He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives,
And recovering of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty them that are bruised,
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [_see Isa. 58:6;
61:1-2_].
20 And he closed the [2]book, and gave it back to the attendant, and
sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on
21 him. And he began to say unto them, To-day hath this scripture
22 been fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and
wondered at the words of grace which proceeded out of his mouth:
23 and they said, Is not this Joseph's son? And he said unto them,
Doubtless ye will say unto me this parable, Physician, heal
thyself [_see John 6:42; 7:15_]: whatsoever we have heard done at
24 Capernaum, do also here in thine own country. And he said, Verily
I say unto you, No prophet is acceptable in his own country [_see
25 John 4:44_]. But of a truth I say unto you, There were many widows
in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three
years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the
26 land [_see 1 Kings 17:1; 18:1-2_]; and unto none of them was
Elijah sent, but only to [5]Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, unto
27 a woman that was a widow [_see 1 Kings 17:8-9_]. And there were
many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none
of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian [_see 2 Kings
28 5:1-14_]. And they were all filled with wrath in the synagogue, as
29 they heard these things; and they rose up, and cast him forth out
of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their
30 city was built, that they might throw him down headlong. But he
31 passing through the midst of them went his way. And he came down
to Capernaum, a city of Galilee.
[Footnote 1: Or, _a roll_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _roll_.]
[Footnote 3: Or, _Wherefore_.]
[Footnote 4: Or, _the gospel_.]
[Footnote 5: Gr. _Sarepta_.]
Sect. 40. THE NEW HOME IN CAPERNAUM
Matt. 4:13-16
13 And leaving Nazareth,[a] he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is
14 by the sea, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali: that it might
be fulfilled which was spoken [1]by Isaiah the prophet [_see Isa.
8:23; 9:1-2_], saying,
15 The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
[2]Toward the sea, beyond Jordan,
Galilee of the [3]Gentiles,
16 The people which sat in darkness
Saw a great light,
And to them which sat in the region and shadow of death,
To them did light spring up.
[Footnote 1: Or, _through_.]
[Footnote 2: Gr. _The way of the sea_.]
[Footnote 3: Gr. _nations_: and so elsewhere.]
[Footnote a: Nazareth was never the Saviour's residence during his public
ministry. After the wedding at Cana he lived a short time at _Capernaum_,
and henceforth that city will be his abode, till he leaves Galilee six
months before the crucifixion--most of the time, however, being actually
spent in several journeys throughout Galilee, together with a trip to
Jerusalem, and retirement to districts around Galilee.]
Sect. 41. JESUS FINDS FOUR FISHERS OF MEN IN FOUR FISHERMEN[a]
By the Sea of Galilee, near Capernaum
Mark 1:16-20 |Matt. 4:18-22 |Luke 5:1-11
| |
16 And passing |18 And walking by | 1 Now it came to pass,
along by the sea | the sea of | while the multitude
of Galilee, he saw| Galilee, he saw | pressed upon him and
Simon and Andrew | two brethren, | heard the word of God,
the brother of | Simon who is | that he was standing
Simon casting a | called Peter, and | by the lake of
net in the sea: | Andrew his | 2 Gennesaret; and he saw
for they were | brother, casting a| two boats standing by
17 fishers. And Jesus| net into the sea; | the lake: but the
said unto them, | for they were | fishermen had gone out
Come ye after me, |19 fishers. And he | of them, and were
and I will make | saith unto them, | washing their nets.
you to become | Come ye after me, | 3 And he entered into
fishers of men. | and I will make | one of the boats,
18 And straightway | you fishers of | which was Simon's and
they left the |20 men. And they | asked him to put out a
nets, and followed| straightway left | little from the land.
19 him. And going on | the nets, and | And he sat down and
a little further, |21 followed him. And | taught the multitudes
he saw James the | going on from | 4 out of the boat. And
_son_ of Zebedee, | thence he saw | when he had left
and John his | other two | speaking, he said unto
brother, who also | brethren, [1]James| Simon, Put out into
were in the boat | the _son_ of | the deep, and let down
mending the nets. | Zebedee, and John | your nets for a
20 And straightway he| his brother, in | 5 draught. And Simon
called them: and | the boat with | answered and said,
they left their | Zebedee their | Master, we toiled all
father Zebedee in | father, mending | night, and took
the boat with the | their nets; and he| nothing: but at thy
hired servants, |22 called them. And | word I will let down
and went after | they straightway | 6 the nets. And when
him. | left the boat and | they had this done,
| their father, and | they inclosed a great
| followed him.[a] | multitude of fishes;
| | and their nets were
7 breaking; and they beckoned unto their partners in the other boat,
that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both
8 the boats, so that they began to sink. But Simon Peter, when he saw
it, fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a
9 sinful man, O Lord. For he was amazed, and all that were with him,
10 at the draught of the fishes which they had taken; and so were also
James and John, sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon.
And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt
11 [2]catch men. And when they had brought their boats to land, they
left all, and followed him.
[Footnote 1: Or, _Jacob_: and so elsewhere.]
[Footnote 2: Gr. _take alive_.]
[Footnote a: Three of these two pairs of brothers (Andrew and Peter, John
and James) had already become disciples of Jesus at Bethany beyond Jordan
(James probably soon afterwards), but now they leave their prosperous
fish business and follow Jesus continuously as many business men since
have given up a lucrative business for the ministry. They, along with
Philip and Nathaniel, had been with Jesus in the early ministry (the year
of obscurity).]
Sect. 42. THE EXCITEMENT IN THE SYNAGOGUE BECAUSE OF THE TEACHING OF
JESUS AND THE HEALING OF A DEMONIAC ON THE SABBATH
Mark 1:21-28 |Luke 4:31-37
|
21 And they go into Capernaum; |31 [And he came down to Capernaum,
and straightway on the sabbath| a city of Galilee.] And he was
day he entered into the | teaching them on the sabbath
22 synagogue and taught. And they|32 day: and they were astonished at
were astonished at his | his teaching; for his word was
teaching: for he taught them |33 with authority. And in the
as having authority, and not | synagogue there was a man, which
23 as the scribes. And | had a spirit of an unclean
straightway there was in their| [3]devil; and he cried out with
synagogue a man with an |34 a loud voice, [4]Ah! what have
24 unclean spirit; and he cried | we to do with thee, thou Jesus
out, saying, What have we to | of Nazareth? art thou come to
do with thee, thou Jesus of | destroy us? I know thee who thou
Nazareth? art thou come to | art [_see Ps. 16:10_], the Holy
destroy us? I know thee who | One of God.
thou art, the Holy One of God.|35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying,
25 And Jesus rebuked [1]him, | Hold thy peace, and come out of
saying, Hold thy peace, and | him. And when the [3]devil had
26 come out of him. And the | thrown him down in the midst, he
unclean spirit, [2]tearing him| came out of him, having done him
and crying with a loud voice, |36 no hurt. And amazement came upon
27 came out of him. And they were| all, and they spake together,
all amazed, insomuch that they| one with another, saying, What
questioned among themselves, | is [5]this word? for with
saying, What is this? a new | authority and power he
teaching! with authority he | commandeth the unclean spirits,
commandeth even the unclean |37 and they come out. And there
spirits, and they obey him. | went forth a rumour concerning
28 And the report of him went out| him into every place of the
straightway everywhere into | region round about.
all the region of Galilee |
round about. |
[Footnote 1: Or, _it_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _convulsing_.]
[Footnote 3: Gr. _demon_.]
[Footnote 4: Or, _Let alone_.]
[Footnote 5: Or, _this word, that with authority ... come out?_]
Sect. 43. HE HEALS PETER'S MOTHER-IN-LAW AND MANY OTHERS
At Capernaum, in Peter's Home
Mark 1:29-34 |Matt. 8:14-17 |Luke 4:38-41
| |
29 And straightway | |
[3]when they were | |38 And he rose up
come out of the | | from the synagogue,
synagogue, they came | | and entered into the
into the house of | | house of Simon. And
Simon and Andrew, |14 And when Jesus | Simon's wife's
with James and John. | was come into | mother was holden
30 Now Simon's wife's | Peter's house, he | with a great fever;
mother lay sick of a | saw his wife's | and they besought
fever; and | mother lying sick |39 him for her. And he
straightway they tell|15 of a fever. And he| stood over her, and
31 him of her: and he | touched her hand, | rebuked the fever;
came and took her by | and the fever left| and it left her:
the hand, and raised | her; and she | and immediately she
her up; and the fever| arose, and | rose up and
left her, and she | ministered unto | ministered unto
ministered unto them.| him. | them.
32 And at even, when |16 And when even |40 And when the sun
the sun did set, they| was come, they | was setting, all
brought unto him all | brought unto him | they that had any
that were sick, and | many [1]possessed | sick with divers
them that were | with devils: and | diseases brought
[1]possessed with | he cast out the | them unto him; and
33 devils. And all the | spirits with a | he laid his hands
city was gathered | word, and healed | on every one of
together at the door.| all that were | them, and healed
34 And he healed many |17 sick: that it |41 them. And [4]devils
that were sick with | might be fulfilled| also came out from
divers diseases, and | which was spoken | many, crying out,
cast out many | [2]by Isaiah the | and saying, Thou
[4]devils; and he | prophet [_see Isa.| art the Son of God.
suffered not the | 53:4_], saying, | And rebuking them,
[4]devils to speak, | Himself took our | he suffered them
because they knew | infirmities, and | not to speak,
him.[5] | bare our diseases.| because they knew
| | that he was the
| | Christ.
[Footnote 1: Or, _demoniacs_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _through_.]
[Footnote 3: Some ancient authorities read _when he was come out
of the synagogue, he came &c._]
[Footnote 4: Gr. _demons_.]
[Footnote 5: Many ancient authorities add _to be Christ_. See Luke
4:41.]
_In sections 44-52 Jesus makes his first tour of Galilee with the Four
Fishermen whom he has now called to follow him continuously. On the
return to Capernaum Matthew is called and various miracles arouse the
enthusiasm of the multitudes and the hostility of the Pharisees to
Christ's teachings._
Sect. 44. THE FIRST TOUR OF GALILEE WITH THE FOUR FISHERMEN
Mark 1:35-39 |Matt. 4:23-25 |Luke 4:42-44
| |
35 And in the | |42 And when it was
morning, a great | | day, he came out
while before day, he| | and went into a
rose up and went | | desert place: and
out, and departed | | the multitudes
into a desert place,| | sought after him,
36 and there prayed. | | and came unto him,
And Simon and they | | and would have
that were with him | | stayed him, that
followed after him; | | he should not go
37 and they found him, | |43 from them. But he
and say unto him, | | said unto them, I
All are seeking | | must preach the
38 thee. And he saith | | [5]good tidings of
unto them, Let us go| | the kingdom of God
elsewhere into the | | to the other
next towns, that I | | cities also: for
may preach there | | therefore was I
also; for to this | | sent.
end came I forth. | |
39 And he went into |23 And [1]Jesus went |44 And he was
their synagogues | about in all | preaching in the
throughout all | Galilee,[a] teaching| synagogues of
Galilee, preaching | in their synagogues,| [6]Galilee.
and casting out | and preaching the |
[4]devils. | [2]gospel of the |
| kingdom, and healing|
| all manner of |
| disease and all |
| manner of sickness |
| among the people. |
|24 And the report of |
| him went forth into |
| all Syria: and they |
| brought unto him all|
| that were sick, |
| holden with divers |
| diseases and |
| torments, |
| [3]possessed with |
| devils, and |
| epileptic, and |
| palsied; and he |
|25 healed them. And |
| there followed him |
| great multitudes |
| from Galilee and |
| Decapolis and |
| Jerusalem and Judea |
| and _from_ beyond |
| Jordan. |
[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities read _he_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _good tidings_: and so elsewhere.]
[Footnote 3: Or, _demoniacs_.]
[Footnote 4: Gr. _demons_.]
[Footnote 5: Or, _gospel_.]
[Footnote 6: Very many ancient authorities read _Judea_.]
[Footnote a: This journey about all Galilee included a _great mass_ of
teaching and healing (dwell on Matt. 4:23-25), of which only a few
specimens are recorded, and these apparently occurred at Capernaum, his
headquarters. The journey given by Luke only (8:1-3) is probably distinct
from this, and if so it would be a _second_, while that of Luke 9:1-6 (=
Mark 6:6-13 = Matt. 9:35-11:1), which is quite certainly distinct, would
then be a _third_ journey about Galilee. The reader ought to expand his
imagination and take in these extended labors.]
Sect. 45. A LEPER HEALED, AND MUCH POPULAR EXCITEMENT
Mark 1:40-45 |Matt. 8:2-4 |Luke 5:12-16
| |
40 And there cometh to| 2 And behold, there |12 And it came to
him a leper, | came to him a leper| pass, while he was
beseeching him, | and worshipped him,| in one of the
[1]and kneeling down | saying, Lord, if | cities, behold, a
to him, and saying | thou wilt, thou | man full of
unto him, If thou | canst make me | leprosy: and when
wilt, thou canst make| clean. | he saw Jesus, he
41 me clean. And being | | fell on his face,
moved with | | and besought him,
compassion, he | | saying, Lord, if
stretched forth his | 3 And he stretched | thou wilt, thou
hand, and touched | forth his hand, | canst make me
him, and saith unto | and touched him, |13 clean. And he
him, I will; be thou | saying, I will; be | stretched forth
42 made clean. And | thou made clean. | his hand, and
straightway the | And straightway | touched him,
leprosy departed from| his leprosy was | saying, I will; be
him, and he was made | cleansed. | thou made clean.
43 clean. And he | | And straightway
[2]strictly charged | | the leprosy
him, and straightway | | departed from him.
44 sent him out, and | 4 And Jesus |14 And he charged him
saith unto him, See | saith unto him, See| to tell no man:
thou say nothing to | thou tell no man; | but go thy way,
any man: but go thy | but go thy way, | and shew thyself
way, shew thyself to | shew thyself to the| to the priest, and
the priest, and offer| priest, and offer | offer for thy
for thy cleansing the| the gift that Moses| cleansing,
things which Moses | commanded, for a | according as Moses
commanded, for a | testimony unto | commanded, for a
testimony unto them. | them. | testimony unto
| | them [_see Lev.
| | 13:49; 14:2-32_].
45 But he went out, and | |15 But so much the
began to publish it | | more went abroad
much, and to spread | | the report
abroad the [3]matter,| | concerning him:
insomuch that | | and great
[4]Jesus could no | | multitudes came
more openly enter | | together to hear,
into [5]a city, but | | and to be healed
was without in desert| | of their
places: and they came| |16 infirmities. But
to him from every | | he withdrew
quarter. | | himself in the
| | deserts, and
| | prayed.
[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities omit _and kneeling down to
him_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _sternly_.]
[Footnote 3: Gr. _word_.]
[Footnote 4: Gr. _he_.]
[Footnote 5: Or, _the city_.]
Sect. 46. THRONGED IN CAPERNAUM, HE HEALS A PARALYTIC LOWERED THROUGH THE
ROOF OF PETER'S HOUSE
Mark 2:1-12 |Matt. 9:1-8 |Luke 5:17-26
| |
1 And when he | 1 And he entered |17 And it came to
entered again into | into a boat, and | pass on one of
Capernaum after some| crossed over, and | those days, that
days, it was noised| came into his own | he was teaching;
that he was [4]in | city. | and there were
2 the house. And many | | Pharisees and
were gathered | | doctors of the law
together, so that | | sitting by, which
there was no longer | | were come out of
room _for them_, no,| | every village of
not even about the | | Galilee and Judea
door: and he spake | | and Jerusalem: and
the word unto them. | | the power of the
3 And they come, | | Lord was with him
bringing unto him a | 2 And behold, they |18 [6]to heal. And
man sick of the | brought to him a man| behold, men bring
palsy, borne of | sick of the palsy, | on a bed a man
4 four. And when they | lying on a bed: | that was palsied:
could not [5]come | | and they sought to
nigh unto him for | | bring him in, and
the crowd, they | | to lay him before
uncovered the roof | |19 him. And not
where he was: and | | finding by what
when they had broken| | _way_ they might
it up, they let down| | bring him in
the bed whereon the | | because of the
sick of the palsy | | multitude, they
lay. | | went up to the
| | housetop, and let
| | him down through
| | the tiles with his
| | couch into the
5 And Jesus | and | midst before
seeing their faith | Jesus seeing their |20 Jesus. And seeing
saith unto the sick | faith said unto the | their faith, he
of the palsy, | sick of the palsy, | said, Man, thy
[1]Son, thy sins are| [1]Son, be of good | sins are forgiven
6 forgiven. But there | cheer; thy sins are |21 thee. And the
were certain of the | 3 forgiven. And | scribes and the
scribes sitting | behold, certain of | Pharisees began to
there, and reasoning| the scribes said | reason, saying,
7 in their hearts, Why| within themselves, | Who is this that
doth this man thus | This man | speaketh
speak? he | blasphemeth. | blasphemies? Who
blasphemeth: who can| | can forgive sins,
forgive sins but | | but God alone?
8 one, _even_ God? And| |22 But
straightway Jesus, | 4 And | Jesus perceiving
perceiving in his | Jesus [2]knowing | their reasonings,
spirit that they so | their thoughts said,| answered and said
reasoned within | | unto them, [7]What
themselves, saith | | reason ye in your
unto them, Why | | hearts?
reason ye these | |
things in your | Wherefore think ye |
9 hearts? Whether is | evil in your hearts?|23 Whether is
easier, to say to | 5 For whether is | easier, to say, Thy
the sick of the | easier, to say, Thy | sins are forgiven
palsy, Thy sins are | sins are forgiven; | thee; or to say,
forgiven; or to say,| or to say, Arise, | Arise and walk?
Arise, and take up | and walk? |
thy bed, and walk? | |
10 But that ye may know| 6 But that ye |24 But that ye may
that the Son of man | may know that the | know that the Son
hath [3]power on | Son of man hath | of man hath
earth to forgive | [3]power on earth to| [3]power on earth
sins (he saith to | forgive sins (then | to forgive sins
the sick of the | saith he to the sick| (he said unto him
11 palsy),[a] I say | of the palsy), | that was palsied),
unto thee, Arise, | Arise, and take up | I say unto thee,
take up thy bed, and| thy bed, and go unto| Arise, and take up
go unto thy house. | thy house. | thy couch, and go
| | unto thy house.
12 And he arose, and | 7 And he |25 And immediately he
straightway took up | arose, and departed | rose up before
the bed, and went | to his house. | them, and took up
forth before them | | that whereon he
all; insomuch that | | lay, and departed
they were all | | to his house,
amazed, and | | glorifying God.
glorified God, | |26 And amazement took
saying, We never saw| 8 But | hold on all, and
it on this fashion. | when the multitudes | they glorified
| saw it, they were | God; and they were
| afraid, and | filled with fear,
| glorified God, which| saying, We have
| had given such | seen strange
| [3]power unto men. | things to-day.
[Footnote 1: Gr. _Child_.]
[Footnote 2: Many ancient authorities read _seeing_.]
[Footnote 3: Or, _authority_.]
[Footnote 4: Or, _at home_.]
[Footnote 5: Many ancient authorities read _bring him unto him_.]
[Footnote 6: Gr. _that he should heal_. Many ancient authorities
read _that_ he _should heal them_.]
[Footnote 7: Or, _Why_.]
[Footnote a: Note the parenthetic explanation of the writers in the
middle of the saying of Jesus. It is proof that each of the Gospels had
the same written source here or rather, as we know otherwise, that
Matthew and Luke had Mark before them.]
Sect. 47. THE CALL OF MATTHEW (LEVI) AND HIS RECEPTION IN HONOR OF JESUS
Capernaum
Mark 2:13-17 |Matt. 9:9-13 |Luke 5:27-32
| |
13 And he went forth | |27 And after these
again by the sea | | things he went
side; and all the | | forth, and beheld
multitude resorted | | a publican, named
unto him, and he | | Levi, sitting at
14 taught them. And as | 9 And as Jesus | the place of toll,
he passed by, he saw| passed by from | and said unto him,
Levi the _son_ of | thence, he saw a | Follow me.
Alphaeus sitting at | man, called Matthew,|
the place of toll, | sitting at the place|
and he saith unto | of toll: and he |
him, Follow me. And | saith unto him, |28 And he
he arose and | Follow me. And he | forsook all, and
followed him. | arose, and followed | rose up and
| him. | followed him.
15 And it |10 And it came to |29 And
came to pass, that | pass, as he [1]sat | Levi made him a
he was sitting at | at meat in the | great feast in his
meat in his house, | house, behold, many | house: and there
and many | publicans and | was a great
[4]publicans and | sinners came and sat| multitude of
sinners sat down | down with Jesus and | publicans and of
with Jesus and his | his disciples. | others that were
disciples: for there| | sitting at meat
were many, and they | | with them.
16 followed him. And |11 And |30 And
the scribes [5]of | when the Pharisees | [8]the Pharisees
the Pharisees, when | saw it, they said | and their scribes
they saw that he was| unto his disciples, | murmured against
eating with the | Why eateth your | his disciples,
sinners and | [2]Master with the | saying, Why do ye
publicans, said unto| publicans and | eat and drink with
his disciples, [6]He| sinners? | the publicans and
eateth [7]and | | sinners?
drinketh with | |
publicans and | |
17 sinners. And when |12 But when he |31 And Jesus
Jesus heard it, he | heard it, he said, | answering said
saith unto them, | They that are | unto them, They
They that are | [3]whole have no | that are [3]whole
[3]whole have no | need of a physician,| have no need of a
need of a physician,| but they that are | physician; but
but they that are |13 sick. But go ye and | they that are
sick: I came not to | learn what _this_ |32 sick. I am not
call the righteous, | meaneth,[a] I desire| come to call the
but sinners. | mercy, and not | righteous but
| sacrifice: for I | sinners to
| came not to call the| repentance.
| righteous, but |
| sinners. |
[Footnote 1: Gr. _reclined_: and so always.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _Teacher_.]
[Footnote 3: Gr. _strong_.]
[Footnote 4: That is, _collectors or renters of Roman taxes_: and
so elsewhere.]
[Footnote 5: Some ancient authorities read _and the Pharisees_.]
[Footnote 6: Or, How is it _that he eateth ... sinners?_]
[Footnote 7: Some ancient authorities omit _and drinketh_.]
[Footnote 8: Or, _the Pharisees and the scribes among them_.]
[Footnote a: Hos. 6:6.]
Sect. 48. JESUS IN THREE PARABLES DEFENDS HIS DISCIPLES FOR FEASTING[a]
INSTEAD OF FASTING
Mark 2:18-22 |Matt. 9:14-17 |Luke 5:33-39
| |
18 And John's |14 Then come to him |33 And they said
disciples and the | the disciples of | unto him, The
Pharisees were | John, saying, Why do| disciples of John
fasting: and they | we and the Pharisees| fast often, and
come and say unto | fast [1]oft, but thy| make supplications;
him, Why do John's | disciples fast not? | likewise also the
disciples and the | | _disciples_ of the
disciples of the | | Pharisees; but
Pharisees fast, but | | thine eat and
thy disciples fast | |34 drink. And Jesus
19 not? And Jesus said |15 And Jesus said unto | said unto them,
unto them, Can the | them, Can the sons | Can ye make the
sons of the | of the bride-chamber| sons of the
bride-chamber fast, | mourn, as long as | bride-chamber fast
while the | the bridegroom is | while the
bridegroom is with | with them? | bridegroom is
them? as long as | | with them?
they have the | |
bridegroom with | |
them, they cannot | |
20 fast. But the days | but the |35 But the
will come, when the | days will come, when| days will come;
bridegroom shall be | the bridegroom | and when the
taken away from | shall be taken away | bridegroom shall
them, and then they | from them, and then | be taken away from
will fast in that | will they fast. | them, then will
day. | | they fast in those
| | days.
| |36 And he spake also
| | a parable[b] unto
21 No man seweth a |16 And | them; No man
piece of undressed | no man putteth a | rendeth a piece
cloth on an old | piece of undressed | from a new garment
garment: else that | cloth upon an old | and putteth it
which should fill it| garment; for that | upon an old
up taketh from it, | which should fill it| garment; else he
the new from the | up taketh from the | will rend the new,
old, and a worse | garment, and a worse| and also the piece
22 rent is made. And no| rent is made. | from the new will
man putteth new wine|17 Neither do _men_ put| not agree with the
into old | new wine into old |37 old. And no man
[2]wine-skins: else | [2]wine-skins: else | putteth new wine
the wine will burst | the skins burst, and| into old
the skins, and the | the wine is spilled,| [2]wine-skins;
wine perisheth, and | and the skins | else the new wine
the skins: but _they| perish: but they put| will burst the
put_ new wine into | new wine into fresh | skins, and itself
fresh wine-skins. | wine-skins, and both| will be spilled,
| are preserved. | and the skins will
| |38 perish. But new
| | wine must be put
| | into fresh
| |39 wine-skins. And no
| | man having drunk
| | old _wine_
| | desireth new: for
| | he saith, The old
| | is [3]good.
[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities omit _oft_.]
[Footnote 2: That is, _skins used as bottles_.]
[Footnote 3: Many ancient authorities read _better_.]
[Footnote a: It was probably the presence of the disciples of Christ at
Matthew's feast on one of the Jewish fast days that occasioned the
complaint of John's disciples and the Pharisees. It is sad to see
disciples of John aligned with the Pharisees against Jesus.]
[Footnote b: Note the use of the term parable in Luke. There are three
parables (the sons of the bride-chamber, the new patch on an old garment,
the new wine in old wine-skins) here together. A few isolated ones have
already occurred as in John 2:19.]
_In sections 49 to 51 we see the Pharisees attacking Jesus both in
Jerusalem and in Galilee with great hostility and with the purpose of
killing him because of violation of the Pharisaic regulations about the
Sabbath. Jesus defends himself and his disciples by various arguments and
personal claims._
Sect. 49. AT A FEAST IN JERUSALEM (POSSIBLY THE PASSOVER) JESUS HEALS A
LAME MAN ON THE SABBATH AND DEFENDS THIS ACTION TO THE PHARISEES IN A
GREAT DISCOURSE
John 5:1-47
1 After these things there was [1]a feast[a] of the Jews; and Jesus
went up to Jerusalem.[b]
2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep _gate_ a pool, which is
3 called in Hebrew [2]Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a
5 multitude of them that were sick, blind, halt, withered[3]. And a
certain man was there, which had been thirty and eight years in
6 his infirmity. When Jesus saw him lying, and knew that he had been
now a long time _in that case_, he saith unto him, Wouldst thou be
7 made whole? The sick man answered him, [4]Sir, I have no man, when
the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am
8 coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him,
9 Arise, take up thy bed, and walk. And straightway the man was made
whole, and took up his bed and walked.
10 Now it was the sabbath on that day. So the Jews said unto him
that was cured, It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for thee to
11 take up thy bed [_see Ex. 20:10; Deut. 5:14_]. But he answered
them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy
12 bed, and walk. They asked him, Who is the man that said unto thee,
13 Take up _thy bed_, and walk? But he that was healed wist not who
it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in
14 the place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said
unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse
15 thing befall thee. The man went away, and told the Jews that it
16 was Jesus which had made him whole. And for this cause did the
Jews persecute Jesus, because he did these things on the sabbath.
17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh even until now, and I
18 work. For this cause therefore the Jews sought the more to kill
him, because he not only brake the sabbath, but also called God
his own Father, making himself equal with God.
19 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them,
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of
himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever
20 he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner. For the Father
loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and
21 greater works than these will he shew him, that ye may marvel. For
as the Father raiseth the dead and quickeneth them, even so the
22 Son also quickeneth whom he will. For neither doth the Father
23 judge any man, but he hath given all judgement unto the Son; that
all may honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that
honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which sent him.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and
believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into
25 judgement, but hath passed out of death into life. Verily, verily,
I say unto you, The hour cometh, and now is, when the dead shall
hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live.
26 For as the Father hath life in himself, even so gave he to the Son
27 also to have life in himself: and he gave him authority to execute
28 judgement, because he is [5]the Son of man. Marvel not at this:
for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear
29 his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto
the resurrection of life; and they that have [6]done ill, unto the
resurrection of judgement.
30 I can of myself do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgement
is righteous; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of
31 him that sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not
32 true. It is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that
33 the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. Ye have sent unto
34 John, and he hath borne witness unto the truth. But the witness
which I receive is not from man: howbeit I say these things, that
35 ye may be saved. He was the lamp that burneth and shineth: and ye
36 were willing to rejoice for a season in his light. But the witness
which I have is greater than _that of_ John: for the works which
the Father hath given me to accomplish, the very works that I do,
37 bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father
which sent me, he hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard
38 his voice at any time, nor seen his form. And ye have not his word
39 abiding in you: for whom he sent, him ye believe not. [7]Ye search
the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal
40 life; and these are they which bear witness of me; and ye will not
41 come to me, that ye may have life. I receive not glory from men.
42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in yourselves. I
43 am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another
44 shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye
believe, which receive glory one of another, and the glory that
45 _cometh_ from [8]the only God ye seek not? Think not that I will
accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, _even_
46 Moses, on whom ye have set your hope. For if ye believed Moses, ye
47 would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his
writings, how shall ye believe my words?[c]
[Footnote 1: Many ancient authorities read _the feast_.]
[Footnote 2: Some ancient authorities read _Bethsaida_, others
_Bethzatha_.]
[Footnote 3: Many ancient authorities insert, wholly or in part,
_waiting for the moving of the water: 4 for an angel of the Lord
went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the
water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water
stepped in was made whole, with whatsoever disease he was
holden._]
[Footnote 4: Or, _Lord_.]
[Footnote 5: Or, _a son of man_.]
[Footnote 6: Or, _practised_.]
[Footnote 7: Or, _Search the scriptures_.]
[Footnote 8: Some ancient authorities read _the only one_.]
[Footnote a: This feast of John 5:1 was _most probably_ a Passover (see
note at end of volume, note 7). If so, we should know that our Lord's
public ministry lasted three years and a fraction, and that the great
ministry in Galilee lasted some 18 to 20 months. Otherwise, we should
know of only two years and a fraction for the former, and 6 to 8 months
for the latter; as John gives three passovers beyond question (John 2:13;
6:4; 12:1), and our Lord's ministry began some time before the first of
these. If the feast of 5:1 was not a passover, it is quite impossible to
determine what other feast it was. While one would be glad to settle
these questions, if it were possible, yet it really does not matter as
regards understanding our Lord's _recorded_ history and teachings during
the great ministry in Galilee, the only point of difference being that if
this feast was a Passover (or if there is an unmentioned Passover) we
should conceive of the three journeys about Galilee as occupying a longer
time, and including more extensive _unrecorded_ labors in preaching and
healing.]
[Footnote b: It is to be noted that John's Gospel gives the Jerusalem
Ministry of Jesus almost entirely except Galilee in ch. 2, Samaria and
Galilee in ch. 4, Galilee in ch. 6 and again in ch. 21. It seems clear
that John wrote with full knowledge of the Synoptic Gospels and
supplements them at certain points. Both Luke and John were thus critics
of the Gospel records.]
[Footnote c: Observe that here more than a year before the crucifixion,
and probably two years (_i.e._ if the feast of 5:1 was a passover or if
an unnamed passover is granted), the hostility of the Jews _at Jerusalem_
(comp. John 4:1) has reached the point of a desire to kill him, as a
sabbath breaker and a blasphemer (5:16-18). So we shall find him staying
away from Jerusalem at the passover of John 6:4, and until the
Tabernacles six months before the crucifixion (John 7:1-10). Meantime,
the hostility will go on increasing in other parts of the country (Mark
3:6, etc.).--Notice also that in this discourse at Jerusalem our Lord
repeatedly declares himself in a high sense the Son of God, and the
appointed judge of mankind (ver. 27), and says that Moses wrote
concerning him (ver. 46). All this indicated that he was the Messiah, but
he did not here expressly assert it as he did in Samaria (John 4:26).
That would have precipitated the collision, for to claim to be the
Messiah would in the view of the Jewish rulers involve _political_
consequences. Comp. John 11:48.]
Sect. 50. ANOTHER SABBATH CONTROVERSY WITH THE PHARISEES WHEN THE
DISCIPLES PLUCK EARS OF GRAIN IN THE FIELDS
Probably in Galilee on the Way Back from Jerusalem[a]
Mark 2:23-28 |Matt. 12:1-8 |Luke 6:1-5
| |
23 And it came to | 1 At that season | 1 Now it came to
pass, that he was | Jesus went on the | pass on a
going on the sabbath| sabbath day through | [5]sabbath, that
day through the | the cornfields; and | he was going
cornfields; and his | his disciples were | through the
disciples [3]began, | an hungred, and | cornfields [_see
as they went, to | began to pluck ears | Deut. 23:25_]; and
pluck the ears of | of corn, and to eat.| his disciples
24 corn. And the | 2 But the Pharisees, | plucked the ears
Pharisees said unto | when they saw it, | of corn, and did
him, Behold, why do | said unto him, | eat, rubbing them
they on the sabbath | Behold, thy | in their hands.
day that which is | disciples do that | 2 But certain of the
not lawful? | which it is not | Pharisees said,
| lawful to do upon | Why do ye that
25 And he | 3 the sabbath. But he | which is not
said unto them, Did | said unto them, Have| lawful to do on
ye never read what | ye not read what | the sabbath day
David did, when he | David did, when he | [_see John 5:10;
had need, and was an| was an hungred, and | Ex. 20:10; Deut.
hungred, he, and | they that were with | 3 5:14_]? And Jesus
they that were with | 4 him; how he entered | answering them
26 him? How he entered | into the house of | said, Have ye not
into the house of | God, and [1]did eat | read even this,
God [4]when Abiathar| the shewbread, which| what David did,
was high priest, and| it was not lawful | when he was an
did eat the | for him to eat, | hungred, he, and
shewbread, which is | neither for them | they that were
not lawful to eat, | that were with him, | with him [_see
save for the | but only for the | Lev. 24:9; 1 Sam.
priests, and gave | 5 priests? Or have ye | 4 21:1-6_]; how he
also to them that | not read in the law,| entered into the
were with him? | how that on the | house of God, and
| sabbath day the | did take and eat
| priests in the | the shewbread, and
| temple profane the | gave also to them
| sabbath [_see Num. | that were with
| 28:9-10_], and are | him; which it is
| 6 guiltless? But I | not lawful to eat
| say unto you, that | save for the
| [2]one greater than | priests alone?
| the temple is here. |
| 7 But if ye had known |
| what this meaneth |
27 And | [_see Hos. 6:6_], I |
he said unto them, | desire mercy, and |
The sabbath was made| not sacrifice, ye |
for man, and not man| would not have | 5 And
28 for the sabbath: so | condemned the | he said unto them,
that the Son of man | 8 guiltless. For the | The Son of man is
is lord even of the | Son of man is lord | lord of the
sabbath.[b] | of the sabbath. | sabbath.
[Footnote 1: Some ancient authorities read _they did eat_.]
[Footnote 2: Gr. _a greater thing_.]
[Footnote 3: Gr. _began to make_ their _way plucking_.]
[Footnote 4: Some ancient authorities read _in the days of
Abiathar the high priest_.]
[Footnote 5: Many ancient authorities insert _second-first_.]
[Footnote a: Because in Mark 3:7 Jesus withdraws to the Sea of Galilee.]
[Footnote b: Note the five arguments made by Jesus in defence of the
conduct of the disciples on the Sabbath (the historical appeal in the
conduct of David, the appeal to the law about the temple service, the
voice of prophecy, the purpose of God in the Sabbath, and the lordship of
the Messiah over the Sabbath). Jesus had already (John 5:17) argued that
he was equal to the Father and hence had the right to do certain things
(acts of mercy) on the Sabbath.]
Sect. 51. A THIRD[a] SABBATH CONTROVERSY WITH THE PHARISEES OVER THE
HEALING OF A MAN WITH A WITHERED HAND IN A SYNAGOGUE
In Galilee
Mark 3:1-6 |Matt. 12:9-14 |Luke 6:6-11
| |
1 And he entered | 9 And he departed | 6 And it came to
again into the | thence, and went | pass on another
synagogue; and there| into their | sabbath, that he
was a man there |10 synagogue: and | entered into the
which had his hand | behold, a man having| synagogue and
withered. | a withered hand. | taught: and there
| | was a man there,
2 And they watched | And | and his right hand
him, whether he | they asked him, | 7 was withered. And
would heal him on | saying, Is it lawful| the scribes and
the sabbath day; | to heal on the | the Pharisees
that they might | sabbath day? that | watched him,
accuse him. | they might accuse | whether he would
3 And he |11 him. And he said | heal on the
saith unto the man | unto them, What man | sabbath; that they
that had his hand | shall there be of | might find how to
withered, [1]Stand | you, that shall have| 8 accuse him. But he
4 forth. And he saith | one sheep, and if | knew their
unto them, Is it | this fall into a pit| thoughts; and he
lawful on the | on the sabbath day, | said to the man
sabbath day to do | will he not lay hold| that had his hand
good, or to do harm?| on it, and lift it | withered, Rise up,
to save a life, or |12 out? How much then | and stand forth in
to kill? But they | is a man of more | the midst. And he
held their peace. | value than a sheep! | arose and stood
5 And when he had | Wherefore it is | 9 forth. And Jesus
looked round about | lawful to do good on| said unto them, I
on them with anger, | the sabbath day. | ask you, Is it
being grieved at the| | lawful on the
hardening of their | | sabbath to do
heart, he saith | | good, or to do
unto the man, | | harm? to save a
| | life, or to
| |10 destroy it? And he
| | looked round about
|13 Then saith he to the| on them all, and
Stretch forth thy | man, Stretch forth | said unto him,
hand. And he | thy hand. And he | Stretch forth thy
stretched it forth: | stretched it forth; | hand. And he did
and his hand was | and it was restored | _so_: and his hand
6 restored. And the | whole, as the other.|11 was restored. But
Pharisees went out, |14 But the Pharisees | they were filled
and straightway with| went out, and took | with [2]madness;
the Herodians took | counsel against him,| and communed one
counsel against him,| how they might | with another what
how they might | destroy him. | they might do to
destroy him.[b] | | Jesus.
[Footnote 1: Gr. _Arise into the midst_.]
[Footnote 2: Or, _foolishness_.]
[Footnote a: On three other later occasions controversies arise with the
Pharisees concerning Sabbath observance (John 9:1-34; Luke 13:10-21;
14:1-24). In John 7:20-24 Jesus refers to the miracle in John 5 and adds
another argument (circumcision on the Sabbath) for his conduct on the
Sabbath.]
[Footnote b: Here at some point near the sea of Galilee, there is already
a plot to kill him, as some had wished to do in Jerusalem (comp. on Sect.
49).]
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