Final Reconstruction for Devotions

It is assumed the reader has read volumes one and two, and thus already knows that forty-nine times that the leaders of the Christian church from 125-400 AD quoted what they regarded as the original

Gospel of Matthew in Hebrew. Our effort to recreate the original Hebrew Matthew using these quotes combined with other ancient sources, we call the Original Gospel of Matthew, or the OGM for short.

So if one agrees with the premise of OGM, this final volume of the three volume series--Final Reconstruction of Matthew--gives you a version of the OGM you can read for spiritual devotions. This volume is our best estimation of the likely original. If you wish to question this, you can still go back to OGM volume one, and see all the variants that pertain to a passage, and make a different decision. You can handwrite in your changes, and keep the OGM: Final Reconstruction which you believe is closest to the original. The color codes are retained in volume three here to remind you of the origin of variants we selected. Thus, if you do not agree on using the Didache, for example, you can simply cross out the matching color-coded portions in this Devotional Edition. You then will still have a version which you personally believe is closest to the original Matthew.

The Color Codes

This color represents the Gospel according to the Hebrews of Matthew quoted by Jerome, Origen, Justin Martyr (103-165AD), Eusebius, and the `scholia' of marginal notes left by scholars on early manuscripts, etc.

This color represents the portions of Luke that Edwards deduces was Luke's effort to use the Gospel According to the Hebrews.

This color in underline font represents the Agrapha of Jesus--quotations by respected early church sources of Jesus from a gospel that is unspecified but which quote cannot be found in the Greek canon.

This color represents the Ebionite version of the Gospel according to the Hebrews of Matthew quoted by Epiphanius, even though it is likely the same as the Hebrew Gospel of which Jerome, Origen, Justin & Eusebius identified. Epiphanius was hostile to the text.

This color represents the Hebrew Mathew of Shem-Tob with my own translation or McDaniel's or Howard's translation into English

For variants in translation by Nccg, the font changes to this font.

For variants in translation by http://www.scripture.net.nz, the font changes to this font.



If you see this same color but with a cross-out of the text, it is because it is missing or conflicting with the Hebrew Matthew of the Shem-Tob.

This color represents the Du Tillet Matthew. Any text in conflict with the Du Tillet, if Du Tillet appears the more authentic, will be in this: cross-out font

This color represents the Aramaic Matthew.

This color and typeface represents the recently discovered Gospel of Thomas from circa 100 AD when it contains passages almost identical to our Greek canonical Matthew. Other readings of Thomas which are not comparable to the canonical Matthew are not offered for consideration as likely inauthentic. We offer no quote from the Gospel of Thomas of the heretical Naasenes whose Gospel does not match the recently discovered Gospel of Thomas. See Hippolytus ca. 236 AD, Anti-Nicene Fathers Vol. , ch. 2.

This color with this underline represents Oxyrhyncus Papyrus 655 discovered between 1897-1907. This fragment is regarded as a fragment of the "Gospel according to the Hebrews" (per Wikipedia "Oxyrhyncus Papyrus"). Oxy 655 also overlaps with the Gospel of Thomas, containing logion 36 to 40 of what was discovered at Nag Hammadi. This section 655 "seems to belong to a Gospel which was closely similar in point of form to the Synoptists...and the portion preserved consists mainly of discourses which are to a large extant parallel to passages in Matthew and Luke...." (The Oxyrhynchus papyri, Volume 4, Issues 654-839 (edited by Bernard Pyne Grenfell, Arthur Surridge Hunt) (Egypt Exploration Fund, 1904) at 27.)

Oxyrhyncus Papyrus 840, according to Harnack, was also likely from the Gospel according to the Hebrews. Thus, text in this font type is from that source.

Other Oxyrhyncus papyri from the second or third century are presumably more authentic, and are included here in this Type face and font color unless we reject them as likely inauthentic agrapha.

Greek Variants from the earliest sources are presumably closer to the original source, that is the Hebrew Gospel written by Matthew. Thus, they are in this font and color.

The DidachE which dates between 50 ad and 200 ad (found in 1875) contains portions that apparently belong to the gospel according to the hebrews of matthew.

The Coptic Matthew from the Schoyen Collection was first published in 2001 by Hans-Martin Schenke. The Coptic Matthew dates to the first half of the fourth century. (Evans: Jewish Versions, etc.)

This is the color for the Sebastian Münster edition of a Hebrew Matthew published in 1537 in Latin.

Codex D Variants have numerous Semitisms, reflecting a Hebrew or Aramaic underlying more original text.

Any text that is simply underlined represents either (1) an addition to make the grammar clear; or (2) an insert to express what is clearly implied or (3) an obvious correction to the Greek translator's work for reasons set forth in a footnote to the same text in Volume I.

The Original Gospel of Matthew

Chapter One

(1.1) There was a certain man named Jesus about thirty years old, who chose us. (1) These are the generations of Jesus, the son of Abraham. (2) Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren; (3) and Judah begat Perez and Zerah of Tamar; and Perez begat Hezron; and Hezron begat Ram; (4) and Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon; and Nahshon begat Salmon; (5) and Salmon begat Boaz from Rachab the harlot; and Boaz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; (6) and Jesse begat David the king. And David begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Uriah; (7) and Solomon begat Rehoboam; and Rehoboam begat Abijah; and Abijah begat Asa; (8) and Asa begat Jehoshaphat; and Jehoshaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Uzziah; (9) and Uzziah begat Hezekiah; (10) and Hezekiah begat Manasseh; and Manasseh begat Amon; and Amon begat Josiah; (11) and Josiah begat Jehoiakim and his brethren, at the time of the carrying away to Babylon. (12) And after the carrying away to Babylon, Jehoiakim begat Shealtiel; and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel; (13) and Zerubbabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Abner who beget Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; (14) and Azor begat Z adoc; and Z adoc begat Ammon; and Achim begat Eliud; (15) and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; (16) Jacob begot Joseph. This Joseph begat Jesus who is called the Christ. (18) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: (20) Behold, an angel of the Lord, Michael, to whom the Father commended this enterprise, appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Joseph, you son of David, Mary your wife (21) shall bear you a son. And you shall call his name Jesus for he shall save my people from their sins. (22) Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Yahweh, the Lord, through the prophet, saying, (23) Behold, a young woman shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son, And they shall call his name E mmanuel; that is God with us." (24) And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of Yahweh, the Lord, commanded him, and took to himself his wife. (25) And she bore him a first-born son, and he called his name Jesus.

Chapter Two

(1) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a city of the land of Judah in the days of Herod the king, Magi from Arabia came to Jerusalem, saying (2) "Where is the infant king of the Jews who has been born ? For we saw stars from their rising pointing his star toward Jerusalem in the east and we have come with important gifts to adore him." (3) And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (4) And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah should be born. (5) And they told him, "In Bethlehem of Judah for it is written through the prophet, (6) And you Bethlehem, Ephratah, land of Judah, you are insignificant among the clans of Judah: For out of you shall come to me one to be ruler and lord, a king of Israel." (7) Then Herod met in private with the Magi and learned from them exactly what date the stars appeared. (8) And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, "Go and search out exactly concerning the young child. And when you have found him, bring me word, that I also may come and bow down before him." (9) And they, having heard the king, went their way. The stars which they saw in the east were going before them until they stopped before the place where the young child was. (10) And when they saw the stars, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. (11) And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother. And they fell down and bowed down before him. And opening their sacks, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh. (12) And being warned by an angel in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country by another way. (13) Now when they were departed, an angel of Yahweh appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. For Herod will seek the young child to destroy him." (14) And Joseph took the young child and his mother to Egypt; (15) And they were there until the death of Herod that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, " Out of Egypt have I called my son." (16) Then Herod, when he saw that he was outwitted by the Magi was very angry, and sent orders to all his princes to slay all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the set time which he had exactly learned of the birth from the Magi. (17) This then fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet (upon whom be peace), saying, (18) "A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; etc." (19) But when Herod was dead, an angel of Yahweh appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, (20) "Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead who sought the young child's life." (21) And he arose and took the young child and his mother, and returned to the land of Israel. (22) But when he heard that Horcanus, his name is Archelaus, was reigning over Judah in the place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being urged by an angel in a dream, he withdrew into the region of Gilgal. (23) And came and lived in a city called Nazara that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, " For He will be called a Nazarene."

Chapter Three

(1.1) In the days of King Herod of Judea, during the high-priesthood of Caiaphas, a certain man named John came baptizing with a baptism of repentance in the river Jordan. He was of the family of Aaron the priest, son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and all went out to him. (1) And in those days John the Baptist was called and he cried in the wilderness of Judah , saying, (2) " Turn in repentance, repent over your lives for the kingdom of heaven is about to come ." (3) For this is he that was spoken about through Isaiah the prophet, saying, `The voice of one crying in the desert. Make ready the way of Yahweh. Make straight in the wilderness a path for our God.'" (4.1) It so happened that John came baptizing, and Pharisees and all Jerusalem came out to him to get baptized . (4) Now John himself had clothes of camel's hair, and a black leather belt girdle about his waist and his food was wild honey of the forest and manna which tasted like sweet pan cakes cooked in oil. (5) Then people went out to him from Jerusalem, and all Judah, and all the region round about the Jordan. (6) And they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins because of his word. (7) But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come from God? (8) Produce the fruits of perfect repentance (9) and do not think to say within yourselves, `We have as our Father Abraham for I tell you, that God is able to raise up his son Abraham from these stones. (10) And even now the axe lies at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that does not produce good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire." The crowds asked him "If so, what shall we do?" John answered them. "He who has two shirts let him give to the one who has none." So the people came to be baptized. (10.1) Many soldiers asked him: "What shall we do?" And he answered them: "Do not be anxious to lay your hands violently upon any man and do not chastise them, and be pleased with your wages ." (10.2) All the people were thinking and reckoning in their heart with affection whether John is the Messiah. (11) "I indeed baptize you in the waters of repentance: but the coming one is stronger than me, the latchet of whose sandal I am not worthy to loosen. He shall baptize you in the fire of the the Spirit of the one who is holy (12) whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing-floor; and he will gather his wheat into his granary but the straw he will burn up with unquenchable fire." (12.1) Now behold the mother of the Lord Jesus and his brothers said to Jesus, "John the Baptist baptizes for the forgiveness of sins. Let us go and be baptized by him." But Jesus said to them, "in what way have I sinned that I should go and be baptized by him? Unless perhaps, what I have just said is the sin of ignorance." (13.1) When the people had been baptized, Jesus also came to be baptized by John. (14) But John was doubtful about baptizing him saying, " I ought to be baptized by you and yet you come to me." (15) But Jesus answering said to him, " It must be this way only because it is proper to fulfill all requirements of justice. Thus, permit it now. For we are obliged to fulfill all righteousness." He thereby gave him permission, and then they immersed him. And when Jesus was being baptized a great light flashed from the water, so that all who had gathered there were afraid. (16) And Jesus when he was baptized, went up immediately from the water, and the heavens were opened over him. The whole fount of the Spirit of God descended out of heaven in the shape of a dove and it ministered over him and entered him , and a voice from heaven said to Him, "My son, in all the prophets I was waiting for you, that you might come, and I might rest in you. For you are my rest; and you are my firstborn son who reigns forever." (17) And behold, again a voice out of the heavens said: " Today I have begotten you. You my son, I bear witness of my joy that this day you have descended from me." (18) And immediately a great light shone around the place, a fire flashed on the water and was kindled in the Jordan River . John, seeing it, said to Jesus, "Who are you, Lord?" And again a voice from heaven said to him, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. This Son of mine is loved by Me very much, and I am loving and delighting in Him. Oh how the glory of this child pleases me. Indeed, this is my beloved son in whom my spirit delights." Then John falling down before Jesus said, "I beseech you, Lord, baptize me!" But Jesus forbade John, saying: "Let it be the way it is, for it is fitting that all things be fulfilled."

Chapter Four

(1) Then was Jesus led up by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness of Judah to be tempted of Satan. (2) And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered. (3) And the tempter came near and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." (4) But he answered and said, "It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone, but shall live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Yahweh.'" (5) Then Satan took him into Jerusalem. And he set him on the pinnacle of the temple, (6) and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, then throw yourself down, for it is written, `He shall give his angels charge over you' to keep you in all your ways and, `On the palms of their hands they shall bear you up, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" (7) Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, you shall not tempt Yahweh, your God." (8) Again, Satan took him to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the earth, and the glory of them. (9) And he said to him, "All this power I will give you, and the glory of them. All these things will I give you if you will fall down and bare your head to me." (10) Then Jesus said to him, "Even likewise my mother, the Holy Spirit, compelled me, and carried me to the great Mount Tabor. Thus go away, Satan, that is Satanas for it is written, ` I will pray to Yahweh, the Lord God and Him only you shall worship.'" (11) Then Satan left him. And angels came and ministered to him. (12) Now when he heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Gilgal, (13) and passed by Nazara and he came and dwelt in Capernaum- Raithah on the outskirts of Zebulun and Naftali. This is a city by the sea, (14) that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah, the prophet, saying, (15) "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, (16) the people who walked in darkness saw a great light, and to them that sat in the region and shadow of death, a light has shined upon them." (17) From that time began Jesus to cry aloud," Turn, turn in repentance! Turn around! For the kingdom of the heaven s approaches and is near." (18) And walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers -- Simon who is also called Kefa or Peter, and Andrew, his brother. They were casting a net into the sea for they were fishermen. (19) And he said to them, "Come follow me, and I will make you fish for men ." (20) And in that hour they left their nets, and followed him. (21) And going on from there he saw two other brothers -- James and John his brother, the sons of Zabdi. They were in the boat with Zabdi, their father, setting up their nets. And Jesus called them. (22) And they hastened and quickly left the ir boat and their father, and followed after him. (22.2) Coming to Capernaum, Jesus entered the house of Simon who is called Peter or Kefa, and said, "As I passed by the lake of Tiberias (that is the Sea of Galilee), I chose out John and James (called Jimi), sons of Zabdi, and Simon, and Andrew, Thaddaeus, Philip, and Nathaniel Bar-Talami; Thomas, Simon the Canaanite; Judas Iscariot; and you Matthew, sitting at the tax office. I called and you all followed me. You therefore, I want to be the Twelve Apostles for a testimony to Israel." (23) And Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their assemblies, and preaching the good gift of the kingdom of the Heavens, and healing all manner of disease and all manner of sickness and pain among the people. (24) And the report of him went forth among all the people: and they brought to him all that were sick, suffering from diverse diseases and those terrified by an evil spirit, and those who shook, and had palsy; and he healed them. (25) And he was followed by great crowds from Galilee and Kapoli and Jerusalem and Judaea and from beyond the Jordan.

Chapter Five

(1) And seeing the crowds, he went up into the mountain. And when he had sat down, his disciples came to him. (2) And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying, (3) "Blessed are the humble in spirit. For theirs is the kingdom of the heavens. (4) Blessed are those who wait for they shall be comforted. (5) Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. (6) Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness. For they shall be satisfied. (7) Blessed are the merciful for mercy shall be done to them. (8) Blessed are those who are the innocent of heart. For they shall see God. (9) Blessed are those who pursue peace, shalom, for they shall be called sons of God. (10) Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake. For the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. (11) Blessed are you when men shall falsely reproach you, and persecute you, and falsely say all manner of evil against you, for my sake. (12) Rejoice, and be jubilant and exalted! For very great is your reward in heaven. For they likewise persecuted the prophets." (13) At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt has been neutralized in regard to its taste how shall it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be thrown out side and trampled under the feet of men. (14) You are the light in the world. You cannot hide a city situated on a hill. (15) Neither do men light a lamp, and put it in a hidden place where it cannot shine but they put it on the lamp stand, and it shines on all that are in the house. (16) Even so let your light shine before every man that they may see your good works to honor your Father who is in heaven. (16.1) Be patient, merciful, harmless, quiet, and good, trembling continually at the words that you have heard." (17) At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not think that I came to annul or weaken the Torah, that is the Law given Moses, or the prophets. I came not to abolish, but to satisfactorily perform it. (18) For indeed I tell you, until the heavens and earth pass away, not one letter, dot, or mark shall be abolished from the Torah, that is the Law given Moses, or the Prophets, because all things will be fulfilled. (19) Whoever therefore shall annul or weaken one word of these least commandments, and shall teach the children of men so, shall be called the least man and smallest person by those in the kingdom of the heaven s. But whoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of the heavens. (20) For I tell you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the sages and Pharisees, you shall not in any way enter into the kingdom of the heavens. (21) You have heard it was said to them who lived long ago, `You shall not murder; and whoever murders is guilty of a judgment of death.' (22) But I say to you, that every one who has caused sorrow to the spirit of his brother and angers his companion shall be in danger of the judgment. He who calls his brother Raka! (that is, a good for nothing) shall be guilty of judgment before the council of the congregation, and whoever shall say, You mad fool! shall be in danger of the fires of hell. (23) If therefore you are presenting your sacrificial offering for atonement at the altar, and there you remember that you have an argument with a friend , and he is complaining about you because of this matter, (24) leave there your sacrificial offering before the altar, and go first to atone to your brother to appease him, and then come and give your sacrificial offering as gifts for atonement." (25) Then Jesus said to his disciples: "See that you hasten to atone to your enemy and adversary while you are still walking with him in the way; or he will deliver you to the judge, and the judge will deliver you to his servant, and you are thrown into prison. (26) Indeed I tell you, you shall by no means come out from there until the last piece of money is given. (27) You have heard that it was said to those of long ago, `You shall not commit adultery.' (28) But I tell you, that every one that sees a woman, a wife and covets her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. (29) And if your right eye seduces you, pluck it out, and throw it from yourself. For it is better for you that one of your members should perish, than your whole body should be thrown into Gehenna, that is the fire of hell. (30) And if your right hand seduces you, cut it off, and cast it from yourself. For it is better for you to lose one of your limbs than lose your whole body in Gehenna." (31) And Jesus said to his disciples: "It was said also to those of long ago, `Whoever shall leave his wife and divorces her is to give her a get , a certificate of divorce. (32) But I tell you that every one that leaves his wife is to give her a get , that is a divorce certificate, and he who fails to do so commits adultery and he who takes her commits adultery. (33) Again, you have heard that it was said to them of long ago, `You shall not take an oath by my Name falsely but shall perform your oath to Yahweh.' (34) However, I tell you, do not swear at all falsely or in vain neither by the heavens, for it is the throne of God, (35) nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet nor by Jerusalem for it is the city of God in the heavens. (36) Neither shall you swear by your head, for you have no power to whiten one hair or to turn it black again. (37) But your words should be, `Yes, yes; No, no,' and whatever is more than these is of evil. (37.1) You shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued for the double tongue is a snare of death. your word shall not be false or empty, but fulfilled by action. (38) You have heard that it was said in the Torah, `An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' (39) But I tell you, do no repay evil for evil but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the left and you shall thus be perfect. (40) And if any man opposes you in judgment and takes away your coat, give him also your shirt. (41) And whoever shall compel you to go one thousand steps, go with him two thousand. (42) Give to him that asks to borrow from you, and from him that wishes to borrow of you, do not hold back. (42.1) It is more blessed to give than receive. Do not be found holding out your hands to receive, but instead draw your hands inward to give. (42.2) And if a man takes away something of yours, do not ask for it back. For the Father desires that gifts be given to all from His riches. Blessed is he who gives according to the commandmentS, for he is BLAMELESS. BUT Watch out YOU who receive. FOR IF ANYONE RECEIVES HAVING NEED, HE IS BLAMELESS. bUT WHOEVER DID NOT HAVE NEED SHALL GIVE AN ACCOUNT WHY HE RECEIVED IT, AND FOR WHAT PURPOSE; AND COMING INTO DISTRESS, HE SHALL BE STRICTLY EXAMINED CONCERNING HIS NEEDS AND he will not come out FROM that until HE SHALL HAVE PAID back the last penny. But concerning this it has been said: let your gifts to the poor stay in your hand long enough for you to learn to whom to give." (43) Again Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said to those of long ago, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. (44) But I tell you, love your enemies and do good to the one who hates you and pray for them that persecute you and oppress and despitefully use you. (44.1) Bless them that curse you, and pray for your enemies and fast for them that persecute you. (44.2) For the one who is far away today, tomorrow will be near you. (45) Be kind and merciful, as your Father is kind and merciful. In this way you may be come sons of your Father who is in the heavens. For He makes His sun to shine on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. (46) for what thankS do you deserve if you love them that love you? Do not even other men do the same? But Love them that hate you, and YOU shall not have an enemy. For if you love them that love you, what reward have you? Do not even the transgressors do the same? (47) And if you ask after the Peace (the Shalom) of only your brothers, what do you exceed over what others do?" And He said, "You never should be joyful except when you behold your brothers with love and charity. (47.1) You shall not hate any man, but some you shall reprove, and for others you shall pray, and others you shall love more than YOUR life. (48) Be perfect even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.

Chapter Six

(1.1) You shall never forsake the commandments of the Lord; but shall keep those things which you have received, neither adding to them nor taking away from them. (1) > Beware that you do not your gifts to the poor before men that they might see and praise you. If you do, you have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens. (2) When therefore you give gifts to the poor, do not desire to make a proclamation or sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the marketplace and in the streets, that men may see them. Indeed I tell you, they have already received their reward. (3) But when you give gifts to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing (4) that your gifts to the poor may be in secret. And your Father, the One who sees hidden things shall repay you openly and in public." (5) At that time Jesus said to his disciples: " And when you pray, do not raise your voice and do not be like the sad hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the courtyards, and pray with haughty speech that men might hear and praise them. Indeed I tell you, they have already received their reward. (6) But you, when you pray, go to your couch and close your doors upon you, and pray to your Father in secret, and your Father, the One who sees in secret, shall reward you. (7) When praying, do not use many words as the heretics do. For they think that they shall be heard for their multitude of words. (8) Do not be like them. Don't you see that your Father who is in the heavens knows your words and what you need before you open your mouth? (9) And so , you shall pray `Our Father, may Your Name be Holy and sanctified. (10) May Your Kingdom be blessed and attain its proper time. May your will be done, as in the heaven s so on earth. (11) Give us this day our bread for tomorrow. (12) And forgive us the debt of our sins, as we forgive the debt of those who sin against us. (13) And do not lead us into the hands of a test but keep us free from all evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. (14) For if you forgive men their sins, your Father in the heavens will also forgive your sins. (15) But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive you your sins." (16) And again He said to them: "Moreover when you fast, do not act as the sad hypocrites who make themselves appear sad and who disfigure their faces to show their fastings before men. Indeed I tell you, they have already received their reward. (17) But you, when you fast, wash your head, and your face (18) that you do not appear to men to fast, but to your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who is in secret, shall reward you openly." (19) And again he said to them: " Don't keep heaping up treasures on earth so that they decay and the grub devour it, and where thieves dig through and steal. (20) But make for yourselves treasures in the heavens, where neither the worm nor grub devours, and where thieves do not dig through and steal. (21) For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be. (22) The lamp of the body is your eyes. If therefore your eyes look straight ahead then your body shall not be in the dark but shall be full of light. (23) But if your eye grows dim, your whole body shall become dark. And if the light that is in you becomes darkness, all your ways will be dark." (24) At that time Jesus said to His disciples: "No man can serve two lords. For either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will honor and stay close to one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. (24.1) Except you fast to the world, you shall in no wise find the kingdom of God. (24.2)> If you do not observe the sabbath as sabbath, you will not see the Father. (25) Therefore I say to you, do not be anxious for your souls in what you shall eat or what you shall drink, or for your bodies in what you shall wear, because the soul is more precious than food and the body than clothing. (26) See the birds of the heavens, that they do not sow seed, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. And your exalted Father of the heavens feeds them. Are you not more precious than they? (27) And which of you by being anxious can add twenty inches to your height? (28) If this is the case, why are you anxious concerning your clothing? Consider the lilies of the Sharon field, how they grow yet they do not labor or weave, neither do they spin. (29) Of a truth, I tell you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. (30) But if God clothes the straw which is in the standing grain fresh to-day, and tomorrow it is dried up and thrown into the oven, so much the more shall He give you your clothing, Oh you of little faith. (30.1) Thus, if you have one garment, what do you lack? Who can add years to your life by worrying about such things? God Himself will provide you with clothing! (31) If God so thinks of you, do not therefore be anxious to say, `What shall we eat?' Or, `What shall we drink?' (32) because all these things bodies require . For your Father who is in the heavens knows that you have need of all these things. (33) But pray first on behalf of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be given to you. So if you ask for the Great Things, God will add to you the little things. (34) Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow. Tomorrow will be anxious about itself. The trouble of today is enough to worry about.

Chapter Seven

(1) Judge not and you shall not be judged. (1.1) Condemn not and you shall not be condemned. (2) For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged, and with what measure you use, it shall be measured to you again. (3) And why do you see the splinter that is in your brother's eye, but do not see the beam that is in your own eye? (4) Or how can you say to your fellowman, `Permit me to take out the splinter of your eye' when there is a beam in your own eyes? (5) H ypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eyes; and then you shall see clearly to remove the splinter from your fellowman's eye." (6) Again he said to them: "Give not that which is holy flesh to the dogs, neither cast your pearls before the swine. Otherwise, they will chew them, and the dogs turn and tear at you. (7) Ask from God, and it shall be given you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened to you. (8) For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks will find; and to him that calls, it shall be opened. (8.1) He who seeks shall not cease until he finds, and finding he shall marvel, and having marveled he shall reach the kingdom , and having reached the kingdom he shall rest. (9) Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks him for a piece of bread, will give him a stone? (10) Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? (11) If you who are evil therefore know how to seek to give good gifts among yourselves, how much more shall your Father who is in the heavens give good requests and His good spirit to them that seek Him? (12) All things therefore whatever you would that men should do for you, do to them. For this is the Torah (that is the Law given Moses) and the words of the Prophets. Thus as you prove yourself kind, so you will experience kindness. (13) At the time Jesus said to his disciples: "Enter in by the narrow gate. For wide and deep is the gate of destruction, and many are they that are going through it. (14) For narrow is the gate, and strict is the way, that leads straight to life, and few are they that find it. (15) Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inside they are as full of deceit as ravening wolves. (16) By their fruits, that is their deeds, you shall recognize them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of briars? (17) Even so every good tree produces good fruit. But every bad tree produces evil fruit. (18) A good tree cannot produce evil fruit. Neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. (19) Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cast into the fire. (20) Therefore by their fruits, that is by their deeds, you shall know them. (21) Not every one that says to me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter into the kingdom of heavens. But he that does the will of my Father who is in heaven will enter with me into the kingdom of the heaven s. (22) Many will say to me in that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not eat and drink in your name, and prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and do many signs and wonders in your name? (23) And then I will profess to them ` I do not know you. Depart from me, all you that work iniquity.'" (23.1) And the Master said: "If you be with me gathered in my bosom, and do not the will of the Father who is in the heavens, and you do not keep my commandments, I shall cast you away, out of my bosom, and say to you, `Depart from me. I know not where you come from, you workers of wickedness. For if you keep not the lesser mysteries, who shall give you the greater? (24) Every one therefore that hears these words of mine, and does them, is like a wise man who built his house upon the rock. (25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house. And it did not fall for it was founded upon the rock. (26) And every one that hears these words of mine, and does not do them, is like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand. (27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon the house, and fell against it, and it fell. And great was its fall." (28) While Jesus was speaking these words, the crowds were astonished at his leadership behavior (29) for he was preaching to them with great power, as one having ability of his own, and not as the scribes and the Pharisees.

Chapter Eight

(1) And when he had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. (2) And there came to him a leper who bowed unto him, saying, "Lord, if you wish, you can heal me." (3) And Jesus extended his hand, and touched him, saying, " I wish that you are made clean." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. (4) And Jesus said to him, " Strive vigorously not to tell any man. But go, show yourself to the priest, and offer, as a testimony, the gift as Yahweh commanded Moshe in your law. (4.1) Now some people were showing up at that very time reporting to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate mixed with the sacrifices. (4.2) And answering, Jesus said to them: "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the Gaileans, because they have suffered such things? (4.3) Not at all for I tell you that unless you are repenting, you will all likewise perish. Or those of the eighteen on whom the lookout tower of Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that these were more debtors than all the other people dwelling in Jerusalem? Not at all for I tell you that unless you are repenting, you will all likewise perish." (5) And when he entered Capernaum- hamartha, a captain of hundreds came to him, begging him, and saying, " My Lord, Adoniy, my son lays in the house sick of contraction and he is very weak with the illness." (7) And he said to him: "I will come and heal him." (8) And the captain of hundreds answered and said: "Lord, I am not ready that you should come under my roof; but only make the decision and he shall be healed. (9) For I am a sinful man and I am the provost, the one in charge and having under myself horses and riders, valiant men, and I say to this one, `Go,' and he goes; and to another, `Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, `Do this,' and he does it." (10) And when Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that were following him, " Indeed, I tell you, I have not found such a faith in Israel. (11) And I tell you that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall rest with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of the heavens, (12) but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast outside into the outer darkness of Gehenna; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth." (13) And Jesus said to the captain of hundreds, "Go your way. As you have believed, it will be done to you." And the young boy was healed the same hour. (14) And when Jesus had come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother lying sick in a continual burning fever. (15) And he touched her hand, and the burning fever left her. And she arose, and ministered to them. (16) And when evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. And by his word alone cast out the spirits for them, and he healed every sickness (17) that it might be established which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet of blessed memory, saying: " Surely our sicknesses he bore and our pains he suffered." (18) Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave commandments to go to the other side of the sea. (19) And there came a sage, and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." (20) And Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds have nests, but the Son of man has no floor where to lay his head." (21) And another of the disciples said to him, "Lord, Suffer me first to go and bury my father." (22) But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their dead." (23) And when he entered into a boat, his disciples followed him. (24) And there arose a great storm in the sea, so much so that waves were coming into the boat, and the boat was thought to be breaking up but he himself was asleep. (25) And the disciples came to him, and begged him, saying, "Save us, our Master, Adon; lest otherwise we will perish." (26) And he said to them, " Why are you fearful, O you little of faith?" Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea. And immediately the large waves became calm. (27) And when the one-hundred men who were there saw this, they marvelled, saying, " Who is He! This One that even the winds and the sea obey him!" (28) And when he crossed over to the other side of the sea into the country of the Girgashites , two possessed with demons met him, coming out of the tombs, and were very fierce, so that no man could pass by that way. (29) And they cried out, saying, "What have we to do with you Jesus, Son of God? Did you come here to torment us before the set time?" Jesus said to them, "Come out from there, evil host." (30) Now there was near by them a herd of many pigs feeding. (31) And the demons asked him, saying, "If you cast us out, grant us authority to go into the herd of pigs." (32) And he said to them, "Go!" And they came out, and went into the pigs. And the whole herd rushed down with a great commotion and slipped off into the sea, and perished in the sea. (33) And they that fed them were afraid and fled, and went away into the city, and told everything that had happened to them who were possessed with demons. (34) So the whole city was afraid. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they begged him not to pass into their border.

Chapter Nine

(1) And Jesus entered into a boat, and set sail, and returned to his own city that is Capernaum-by-the-Sea where Jesus then was living. (2) And behold, they brought to him a man sick of contractions, lying on a bed. And Jesus seeing their faith said to the sick man, " My son, have confidence. It is by the faith of the Mighty One that your sins have been forgiven." (3) And certain of the sages said to themselves, "This man blasphemes." (4) And Jesus perceived their thoughts and said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? (5) For which is easier to say, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Arise, and walk'? (6) But to inform you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" (then he spoke to the sick man), "Arise, and take up your bed and walk." (7) And he arose and walked into his house. (8) But when the crowds saw it, they were very afraid and struck with awe, and praised the Mighty One, who had given such authority to men. (9) **** (10) Then I, Matthew, his disciple brought Jesus to my house to eat and it came to pass, as he sat at meat in the house, many affluent sinners were at the table and were dining with Jesus and his disciples. (11) And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, "Why does your Teacher sit and eat with affluent sinners and evil men?" (12) But when Jesus heard it, he said, " There is no need of a physician to heal the healthy but only to heal them that are sick. (13) But go and learn that which is written, `I desire loving- kindness, and not sacrifice,' for I came not to convert the righteous, but to convert sinners to repentance.'" (14) Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?" (15) And Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom weep and fast as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then they will fast. (16) And no man wastes a piece of new cloth upon an old garment; for the force of the piece stretches the worn out garment, and a worse tear is made than before. (17) Neither do men put new wine into old wine-skins. For if they do the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are ruined: but they put new wine into new wine-skins, and both are preserved." (18) While he said these things to them, there came a captain who bowed down to him, saying, " Master, My daughter just died, but hurry and please come and lay your hand upon her, and restore her to life." (19) And Jesus arose, and followed him, and his disciples did likewise. (20) And a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment. (21) For she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall immediately be made whole." (22) But Jesus turning and seeing her said, " Have confidence my Daughter. May you have a long life through Yahweh, blessed be He. Your faith has made you whole and thus your healing is because of your faith." And the woman was made whole from that hour. (23) And when Jesus came into the captain's house, and saw the pipers and dirge makers and many people weeping, (24) he said, " Go outside for the girl is not dead, but she is sleeping." But in their eyes he was as one who jests and they derided him. (25) But when the crowd was put outside, he entered in, and took her by the hand, and said, "Young girl, arise!" And the girl arose. (26) And this report went into all that land. (27) And as Jesus passed by from there, two blind men were begging, crying out, and saying, "Have mercy on us, son of David." (28) And when he came into the house, the blind men came to him. And Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said him, "Yes, Lord." (29) Then he touched their eyes, saying, " According to your faith it will be done unto you. And thus your faith will heal you." (30) And their eyes were immediately opened. And Jesus strictly charged them, saying, " Be careful lest the matter be made known." (31) But they went out, and spread abroad his fame in all that land. (32) And as they went out, a dumb man possessed with a demon was brought to him. (33) He cast out the demon, so that the dumb man spoke. And the crowds marvelled, saying, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." (34) But the Pharisees said, " In the name of the prince of demons -- Belseboul --he casts out demons." (35) And Jesus went about all the cities and regions, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the good tidings of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disease and all manner of sickness. (36) But when he saw the crowds, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and lying down, as sheep not having a shepherd. (37) Then he said to his disciples, "The standing grain indeed is plentiful, but the reapers are few. (38) Pray the Lord, the Adona, of the standing grain sends many reapers to harvest his grain."

Chapter Ten

(1) And he called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease and every sickness and every plague. (2) Now the names of the twelve envoys called Apostles are these: the first, Simon, who is called Kefa or Peter, and Andrew his brother; James called Jimi and John his brother, the son of Zabdi, (3) Philip, and Nathaniel Bar-tholomew; Thomas, and Matthew, a lender for interest and who was a transgressor; James Aluphei, and Taddai; (4) Sim e on the merchant from Canaan, and Juda Ascereyotah who delivered him up to death. (5) Jesus sent out these twelve, and charged them, saying, "Do not go into any way of the Gentiles, and do not enter into any city of the Samaritans. (6) But go rather to those sheep who strayed from the family of Israel. (7) And as you go, preach, saying, Turn, Turn, the kingdom of the heavens is at hand. (8) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Do not take wages. Freely you received. Freely give. For you received for nothing. And for nothing you shall give. (9) Possess neither gold nor silver nor money in your money belts. (10) Neither pack for your journey a change of clothes nor shoes nor staff in your hand. For the workman is worthy to receive enough for his food. (11) And into whatever city or region you shall enter, ask who is good and honorable among them, and there live until you leave. (12) And as your enter into the house, give them a Shalom, a salutation of Peace, saying `Shalom to this house, Shalom to all who in dwell in it.' (13) If the house is honorable, it will return to you your peace, that is, your Shalom. (14) But any man who will not welcome you, nor listen to the sound of your words, go out from that house or city, and shake off even the dust of your feet. (15) Indeed I tell you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in that day of doom and of judgment, than for that city. (16) I send you out as sheep among wolves. Be therefore wiser and more shrewd than serpents, and as harmless and humble as doves. (17) But beware of men. They will deliver you up in their courts and scourge you with whips in their houses of assembly and you shall be led before (18) governors and kings. You will be able to bear witness on my behalf, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. (19) But when they deliver you up, do not consider and take no thought how or what you will say. In that hour the answer you need shall come to you. (20) For it is not you who speaks, but the Holy Spirit of my Father that speaks through you. (21) And brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and the sons shall rise up against their fathers, and cause them to be put to death. (22) And you shall be come a derision and a fright to all the nations for my name's sake. But he that endures to the end, the same shall be saved. As often as you fall, rise up, and you will be saved." (23) Again Jesus said to his disciples, "But when they persecute you in one city, flee to another. Indeed I tell you, you shall not have yourselves gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. (24) A disciple is not greater than his teacher, nor is a servant greater than his master, his Adon. (25) It is enough for the disciple that he should be like his teacher, and the servant to be like his master, his Adon. If they have called the owner of the house Baalzebub, that is Lord of Tricks, how much more will they do so to the children of his household! (26) Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed. And nothing hid that shall not be made known. (27) What I tell you in the darkness, declare it in the light. And what you hear in the ear, proclaim upon the rooftops . (28) And do not be afraid of them who kill the body, but have no power to kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to cause to be perished both soul and body in Gehenna, that is hell. (29) Are not two sparrows sold for the smallest coin? And not one of them shall fall on the ground without the will of your Father who is in the heavens. (30) But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (31) Therefore do not fear. You man are more valueable than many sparrows. (32) Every one therefore who shall confess me in the sight of men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in the heavens. (33) But whoever shall deny me in the sight of men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heavens." (34.1) In that hour, Jesus said to his disciples: (34.2) "Perhaps people think that I have come to cast peace upon the world. They do not know that I have come to cast divisions upon the earth: fire, sword, war. (34.3) For there will be five in a house: there'll be three against two and two against three, father against son and son against father, and they will stand alone. (35) I came to separate mankind, the son from his father, and the daughter from her mother, a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, (36) and the enemy shall be loved ones. (37) He that loves his father or mother more than me or whoever loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. I am not suitable for him. (38) And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me, the same is not worthy of me. (39) He that loves his life shall lose it. And he that loses it for my sake shall find it. (40) He who hears me, hears Him who sent Me. He that receives you receives me, and he that receives me receives the One that sent me. (41) He that receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a reward of the prophet and he that receives a righteous one in the name of a righteous one shall receive the reward of the righteous one. (42) And whoever shall give a single cup of cold water to drink to one of my little disciples in the name of my disciple, Amen, I tell you he shall in no way lose his reward."

Chapter Eleven

(1) And it came to pass when Jesus had finished commanding his twelve disciples, he departed on from there, and commanded them to teach and reprove in their own synagogues. (2) Now when John heard in the fortress prison the works of Jesus, he sent two of his disciples (3) and they said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" (4) And Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: (5) the blind --they see, and the lame --they walk, the lepers --they are cleansed, and the deaf --they hear, and the dead-- they are now the living, and the poor --they are aquitted and made happy. (6) And happy and blessed is the one who has no doubt about me." (7) And as these went their way, Jesus began to say to the crowds concerning John, " What did you go into the desert to see? A reed shaken in the wind? (8) But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in noble garments? They that wear noble garments are in king's houses. (9) But why did you go out to see him? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. (10) This is he, of whom it is written, `I send my messenger who shall make the way clear before me.'" (11) Again Jesus said to his disciples: "Truly I tell you, among them that are born of women there has not arisen a greater one than John the Baptist. (12) And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and has been oppressed and the forceful and senseless persons plunder it and have been tearing it apart. (13) For all the prophets and the law spoke concerning John. (14) And if you wish to receive it, he is Elijah, that is to come. (15) He that has ears to hear, let him hear." (16) Again Jesus said: "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like lads sitting in the marketplaces who call to their companions (17) and say, `We sang to you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.' (18) For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, `He has a demon.' (19) The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say `A gluttonous man and a drinker of wine, a friend of affluent sinners !' So fools judge the wise. But wisdom is proven correct by her children. " (20) Then began he to reprove the cities where most of his mighty works were done, because they did not turn from their evil deeds. (21) "Woe to you, Korozin ! Woe to you, Beth Saida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sodom which were done in you, they would have repented from evil long ago in sackcloth and ashes. (22) But I tell you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sodom in the day of judgment than for you. (23) And you, Capernaum, shall you be exalted to heaven? From there you shall go down: for if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in you, perhaps it would have remained until this day. Unto Sheol you will be brought down. (24) But I tell you that it shall be easier for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you." (25) At that time Jesus raised himself up and said, " I thank you Father. Be praised my Father, Creator of heaven and earth, that you did hide these things from the wise and prudent, and revealed them to the lightly esteemed, the humble young children. (26) Truly this was because it was upright before you, my Father. Yes, Oh Father, for so was your will before you." (27) Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said: "All things have been delivered to me of my Father. (27) And no one knows a son except a father. Neither does any know a father except a son, and he to whomever a son wants to reveal him. (28) Come to me, all you who are weary and enduring labor and I will help you bear your yoke. I will satisfy you. (29) Take my yoke as your yoke, and learn. Know that I am humble, good, driven out to break up the soil as cattle do for planting of seed. And I am pure and downcast in heart. And you shall find rest for your souls. (30) For my yoke is gentle and soft, and my burden is easy."

Chapter Twelve

(1) At that time Jesus went on the Day of Rest (that is the Sabbath Day) through the grainfields. His disciples were hungry and began to pluck ears of corn from the stalks and to crush them between their hands and to eat. (2) But the Pharisees when they saw it said to him, "Your disciples do that which it is not proper or permitted to do upon the Sabbath." (3) But Jesus said to them, "Have you not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they that were with him? (4) How he entered into the house of God, and ate from the showbread of the Presence ( that is holy bread ) which is not to be eaten except by the priests alone? (5) Or have you not read in the Torah (that is the Law) that on the Day of Rest that the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and yet are without sin? (6) But I tell you that the temple is greater than this place that is, this cornfield. (7) But if you had known what this means, `I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent. (8) For the Son of Man is Master even of the Day of Rest." (9) And it came to pass at the end of the days that he departed from there, and went into their synagogue s. (10) And a man was there who had a withered hand and asked Jesus: "I was a mason, seeking a livelihood by my hands. I beg you Jesus that you restore me to health, that I may not shamefully beg for food." And the sages asked Jesus, saying, "Is it permissible to heal him in the Day of Rest?" And they said all of this so that they might accuse him before the court of justice. (11) And he said to them, "What man among you, if his sheep falls into a pit in the Day of Rest would not grab it and lift it out? (12) So much the more is man better than that. Thus, it is permissible and necessary to do good during the Day of Rest." (13) Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out; and it was restored whole as the other. (14) But the Pharisees went out, and took counsel against Jesus, how they might put him to death. (15) And it was after this, because Jesus knew it, he withdrew from there. And many sick followed him, and he healed them all, (16) and charged them that they should not make him known (17) that the word spoken through Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled, who prophesied: (18) "My servant whom I uphold, My chosen one in whom my soul is delighted, I have put my Spirit upon him, And he shall declare justice to the nations. (19) And He shall not fear or cry nor will he lift up his heal to run. Neither shall any one hear his voice in the streets. (20) A bruised reed shall he not break, And a dim wick shall he not put out. He will not fail or be discouraged until he establishes justice in the earth forever according to truth. (21) And the isles shall wait for his Law." (22) Then one who was blind and unable to speak as well as possessed with a demon was brought to him. He healed him so that he was able both to speak and see, and the crowds saw it (23) and were amazed, and said, " Is this not the son of David? " (24) But the Pharisees were quick to hear this, and they said, "This man casts out demons by Baalzebub, the lord of the demons." (25) And Jesus knowing their thoughts said to them in a parable, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. And every city or house divided against itself shall fall. (26) And if Satan casts out another Satan, he is divided against himself. How then shall his kingdom stand? (27) And if I cast out demons by Baalzebub who belongs to your sons, then why don't your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. (28) But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then truly is the end of his kingdom come. (29) Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man, and rob his goods, except he binds him first? And then he will rob his house. (30) He that is not with me is against me. And whoever does not gather with me the same scatters. Whoever does not join himself to me denies me. (31) Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven the sons of men. However, the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. (32) And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him. However, whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, nor in the world which is to come. (33) Determine whether the tree is good, according to good fruit; or determine whether the tree is corrupt according to its bad fruit. For the tree is known by its fruit. (34) Family of vipers, how can you being evil speak good things? Surely the mouth awakens, the heart speaks. (35) The good man produces out of the treasure of a good heart good things. And the evil man produces out of the treasure of an evil heart evil things. (36) And I tell you that every useless and idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account in the day of judgment. In whatever things I find you saying, in those I shall judge you. (37) For by your words you shall be judged and by your deeds and words you shall be condemned." (38) Then certain of the sages and Pharisees answered him, saying, " Rabbenu, we wish to see a sign from heaven by you." (39) But he answered and said to them, "An evil and hypocritcal generation seeks after a sign. And there shall no sign be given it but the sign of Jonah the prophet. (40) For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so shall the Son of Man be buried in the belly of the earth. (41) The men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it. For they turned in repentance and made penance at the words of Jonah. And behold, one greater than Jonah is here. (42) The queen of Sheba shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it. For she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold, one greater than Solomon is here. (43) But the unclean spirit, when he is gone out of the man, passes through waterless places, seeking rest, and does not find it. (44) Then he says, `I will return to my house where I came out.' And when he returns, he finds it empty, cleaned out with shovels, safe and adorned and ready. (45) Then he goes and takes with himself seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there. And the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so, it shall happen similarly to this evil generation." (46) While he was yet speaking to the crowds, his mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to him. (47) And one said to him, "Your mother and brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you." (48) But he answered and said to the one who had spoken to him, "Who is my mother? And who are my brothers?" (49) And he stretched out his hand over his disciples, and said, " These are my mother and my brothers! (50) For whoever does the wishes of my Father who is in the heavens, they are my brother and my sister and my mother."

Chapter Thirteen

(1) On that day Jesus went out from the house, and sat on the shore of the sea. (2) And there were gathered around him a great crowd until he needed to enter a boat, and the crowds stood on the beach. (3) And he spoke to them many things in parables, saying, "Behold, the sower went out from his house in the morning to sow his seed. (4) And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the road, and the birds came and devoured them. (5) And others fell upon rocks where they had not much soil. And quickly they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil. (6) And when the sun arose and above it became warm, they withered. And because they had no root, they dried up. (7) And others fell upon the thorns. And the thorns grew up and suffocated and darkened them. (8) And others fell upon the good ground, and yielded fruit, the first a hundred times, the second sixty, and the third thirty. (9) He that has ears, let him hear." (10) And the disciples came near to him, and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" (11) And he answered and said to them, "To you it is given to know the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. My secret is for me and the offspring of my house. (12) For whoever has in their hand, to him it shall be given again, and he shall abound. But whoever has nothing, from him it shall be taken away even that little which he thinks he has. (13) Therefore I speak to them in parables because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not. (14) And to them is fulfilled what was said through Isaiah the prophet: ` Go and say to this people, " Hearing , you hear but do not comprehend. Seeing, you see but do not understand. (15) Make the heart of this people fat and make their ears heavy and blind their eyes, otherwise, it sees with its eyes, and hears with its ears, and understands with its heart and returns, and is healed. " (16) But happy are your eyes, for they see. And your ears for they hear. (17) For Amen I tell you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you are seeing, and saw them not. And to hear the things which you are hearing, and heard them not. (17.1) I will give you what no eye has seen and no ear has heard and no hand has touched and what has never arisen in the human heart. (18) But hear then the parable of the sower. (19) The Sower ? He is the Son of Man. And the seed which fell on the road ? All those who hear the word of the kingdom of heaven and do not understand it so the Adversary comes, and snatches away that which has been sown in his heart. This is what the example of the seed sown on the road represents. (20) And he that was sown upon the rocks ? He is the one who hears the word of the Mighty One, and quickly with joy receives it; (21) but is like the seed which has no root and is in confusion, but endures for an hour. And when a little trouble and tribulation or persecution comes to them because of the word, Satan causes them to forget from their heart the word of the Mighty One and he makes no fruit and is offended. (22) And he that was sown among the thorns? This is he that hears the word, and in his desire to gather wealth -- unfair mammon, the Adversary causes him to forget the word of God and suffocates the word, and he doesn't make any fruit. (23) And he that was sown upon the good ground? This is he that hears the word, and understands it; who truly bears fruit, that is, from good works, and produces from the first a hundred times, and from the second sixty, and from the third thirty. As for the hundred, this is the one purified in heart and sanctified in body; as for the sixty, this is the one separated from women. As for this thirty, this is the one sanctified in matrimony, in body and in heart. " (24) Another parable he placed before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is similar to a man that sowed good seed in his field. (25) However, while his men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares also over the wheat, and went away. (26) But when the herb sprang up and produced fruit, then he saw the tares also. (27) And the servants of the owner of the house came and told him, `Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Why does it have tares come into it?' (28) And he answered them, ` My enemy has done this.' And the servants replied to him, ` We will uproot the tares.' (29) But he said to them, `No. For as you collect the tares, you might at the same time root up the wheat with them. (30) Let both grow together until the harvest. And in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, "Gather up first the tares, and bind them in individual bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn."'" (31) Another parable he placed before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field. (32) It indeed is smaller than all garden herbs. However, when it falls on the tilled ground, it produces a large branch, and it becomes a shelter for the birds of the sky." (33) He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is similar to leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, and it leavens all of it." (34) All these things Jesus spoke in parables to the crowds, and he did not speak anything except parables to them (35) that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, "I will open my mouth in parables. I will utter riddles and enigmas from ancient times." (36) Then he left the crowds, and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field." (37) And he answered and said, " In this example, he that sows the good seed is the Son of Man. (38) And the field? It's the world-- this age. And the good fruit ? T hese are the righteous. And the tares? They are the ungodly, sons of Belial. (39) And the enemy that sowed them? He is the Adversary, the devil. And the standing grain at the end ? It is the age of the world to come. And the reapers? They are the angels. (40) As the reapers gather the tares to burn, so it shall be in the end of days. (41) The Son of Man shall send out his angels and they shall uproot from his kingdom all evil ones that cause offence, and them that do iniquity. (42) And they shall cast them into the furnace of fire. (43) Then shall the righteous shine as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He that has ears to hear, let him hear." (44) Again Jesus said to his disciples: "The kingdom of the heaven s is like a treasure hidden in the field which a man found, and hid. And in his joy over the value he went and sold all that he had, and bought that field. (45) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a man who is a merchant who possessed merchandise and was seeking to buy good pearls. (46) The merchant was prudent. Having found one precious pearl, he went and sold all his merchandise, and bought the pearl alone himself. (46.1) You, too, are to seek for the treasure that does not fail, that endures, where no moth comes near to devour and where no worm destroys. (47) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a drag net that was cast into the sea and gathered of every kind of fish (48) which, when it was filled, they drew it out up on the beach. And the fishermen sat down on the sea shore and chose the good and put them into vessels, b ut the bad they threw away. (49) So it shall be in the end of days. The angels shall come, and separate the wicked from the midst of the righteous, (50) and shall throw them into the furnace of fire. There shall be the weeping and the gnashing of their teeth. (51) Have you understood all these things?" They said, "Yes." (52) And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe or wise man who has been made a disciple to the kingdom of heaven is like a man that is a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old." (53) And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, he passed over from there. (54) And coming into his own native land he taught them in their synagogues, and they were astonished, and said in their hearts, "From where did this man get this wisdom, and power, and might and virtue to do these works? (55) Is not this the blacksmith's son? Is not his mother Mary? And his brothers James, Joseph, and Simon, and Judah? (56) And are not his sisters all with us? Do you not know all these that are with us? So how did all these things come to this one?" (57) And they were confused about him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place, and city, and in his own house. In other words, a prophet is not acceptable in his own country, neither does a physician work cures upon them that know him. As a result, no physician heals those who know him." (58) And he did not wish to do there any sign because of their stubborness and little belief.

Chapter Fourteen

(1) At that time Herod the Tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus, (2) and said to his servants, " Behold I believe that John the Baptizer is doing these miracles and therefore these powers work in him." (3) For Herod had arrested John, and bound him in prison. This was because John was reproving him that Herod should not take as his wife Herodias because she was his brother's wife. (4) John was saying to him, "It is not permissible for you to have her." (5) And then Herod wished to kill him except he feared the people because they believed John was a prophet. (6) But on Herod's birthday, he called the nobles of his kingdom to eat with him, and while they were eating, the daughter of Herod danced among them, and it pleased Herod. (7) He promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask. (8) And she, being urged by her mother, said, "Give me here the head of John the Baptist on a plate." (9) And the king was very sad. However, because of his oath he made before his dinner guests, he commanded it to be given. (10) And he sent the command to kill John in the prison. (11) And they brought John's head in a dish, and gave it to the girl. And she brought it to her mother. (12) And the disciples of John came, and took up the body, and buried him. And they went and told Jesus. (13) Now when Jesus heard it, he left there in a boat, to a place in the desert wilderness of Judah. And when the crowds heard about this, they followed him on foot from all the cities. (14) And he came out, and saw a great crowd, and he extended kindness on them, and healed their sick. (15) And when evening was come, the disciples came to him, saying, "This place is a desert, and the time is advancing. Send the crowds away, that they may go into the surrounding regions and towers, and buy themselves necessities for nourishment." (16) But Jesus said to them, "They have no need to go away. You will give them something to eat." (17) And they said to him, "We have here only five loaves and two fishes." (18) And he said, "Bring them to me." (19) And he commanded the crowds to sit down on the grass. And he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and as he looked up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake and gave the loaves to the disciples. And the disciples made distributions to the crowds. (20) And they all ate the bread, and were satisfied. They also ate the fish according to what they desired. After they finished, that which remained over of the broken pieces of bread was twelve baskets full. (21) And those who ate were about five thousand men besides women and children. (22) And soon thereafter he commanded the disciples to enter into the boat, and to go ahead of him to the city to which the crowds were going. (23) And after he had left the crowds, he went up into the mountain to pray alone. And when evening had come, he was standing there alone. (24) But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, being driven by the waves because the wind was against them. (25) About three o'clock in the morning, he came to them, walking upon the waters of the sea. (26) And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were alarmed, saying, "It is a phantam or a demon." And they cried out from the greatness of their fear. (27) But right then Jesus said to them, " Let faith be among you! Be confident! And be rest assured because it is I. Do not be afraid!" (28) And Peter answered him and said to him, "Master, if it is you, command me to come over to you on the water." (29) Jesus said "Come!" So Peter went down from the boat, and walked upon the waters to come to Jesus. (30) But when he saw the boisterous strength of the wind, he was afraid that he should sink; and he cried out, saying, " My Master, save me." (31) And immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, and took hold of him, and said to him, " Man of little belief, why did you doubt?" (32) And when they were gone up into the boat, the wind immediately ceased. (33) And they that were in the boat bowed down before him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of the Mighty One." (34) And they departed from over the sea, and came into the land of Ge-nossar. (35) And when the men of that place recognized him, they went into all the surrounding region and brought to him all that were sick with various kinds of diseases. (36) And they implored him that they might only touch the border of his garment. And as many as touched him were delivered.

Chapter Fifteen

(1) Then Pharisees and sages came to Jesus saying, (2) "Why do your disciples transgress the ordinances and traditions of antiquity? For they do not wash their hands before eating." (3) And he answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandments and words of God, the Mighty One because of your ordinances and tradition? (4) Is it not written in your Law from the mouth of God, `Honor your father and your mother: and, He that curses or smites his father or mother, will surely be put to death'? (5) But you say, `Whoever can say to his father or his mother in financial need, "Whatever help you might otherwise have gotten from me was already given as a corban" that is money donated to the Temple treasury, then he does not supposedly have to honor his father or mother.' Thus you make any donation he might give for the sake of himself as a sinner able to wipe out this iniquity against his parents. It is supposedly forgiven and will be removed from him. You have thus made the commandment of God void because of your tradition. (6) So he does not honor his father and his mother, and so you have despised the words of God, the Mighty One, because of your tradition. (7) You hypocrites! Isaiah did correctly prophesy of you, saying, (8) ` Thus Yahweh says: This people has come near me with their mouth and lips, but their heart is far from me (9) and their reverence toward me has become the observance of commandments taught by men.'" (10) And Jesus called to him the crowd, and said to them, "Hear and know! (11) It is not that which enters into the mouth which soils and defiles the man. Rather, it is that which comes out of the mouth that renders impure the man." (12) Then came the disciples, and said to him, "Don't you realize that the Pharisees were perplexed and annoyed by this word when they heard this saying?" (13) But he answered and said, "Every plant which my heavenly Father did not plant shall be rooted up. (14) Leave them alone. The blind are leading the blind, and if a blind man leads another blind man, both shall fall into a ditch." (15) And Peter answered and said to him, " My Master, my Adon, explain to us the riddle." (16) And he said, "Are you also still without any understanding? (17) Don't you understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly, and goes on to the natural place? (18) But the things which come out of the mouth are moved by the heart. And they are what soils and defiles the man. (19) For out of the soiled defiled heart comes evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, the witness of liars, and curses and blasphemies. (20) These things soil and render iniquitous the man. However, to eat with unwashed hands does not soil or defile the man. (20.1) Yet abstain by all means from meat sacrificed to idols; for it is the worship of dead gods." (21) And Jesus went out from there, and withdrew into the parts of Tyre and Sidon. (22) And a Canaanite merchant woman who came out from the lands of the east was crying, saying, "Have mercy on me, Oh Master, you son of David. My daughter is tormented by demons." (23) But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and asked him, saying, " Our Master, our Adon, why do you abandon this woman who is crying out after us?" (24) But he answered and said, "I was only sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (25) But she came and prostrated herself to the ground before him, saying, " Master, Adon, help me." (26) And he answered and said, "It is not good that a man take bread from his children and cast it to the dogs." (27) But she said, " That's certainly true, Lord but even the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall under their master's table." (28) Then Jesus answered and said to her, "Woman, how great is your belief. It will be done to you even as it is in your heart what you asked." And her daughter was healed from that hour. (29) And Jesus departed there, and he went to the region across Galilee to a mountain. And he went up on the mountain, and as he stood there (30) he saw many people having with them the lame, leprous , maimed, and many others. And they threw them selves down at his feet, and he healed them. (31) As a result, the crowd wondered when they saw those who hadn't been able to speak were speaking, and the crippled were walking, and the blind could see again. And all of them magnified the God of Israel. (32) And Jesus called his disciples, and said, "I have compassion for the crowds because they continue with me now two days since they came across and have nothing to eat. And I will not let them go fasting, and they faint away." (33) And the disciples asked him, "Where will we get so many loaves in a desert place to satisfy this people ?" (34) And Jesus said to them, "How many loaves of bread do you have?" And they said, "Seven and a few small fishes." (35) And he commanded the crowd to sit down on the grass. (36) And he took the seven loaves, and he gave thanks and broke them in pieces, and gave the pieces to the disciples, and the disciples then gave them to the people. (37) And they all ate, and were filled. And they took up seven baskets full of that which remained over of the broken pieces. (38) And they who ate were four thousand men besides women and children. (39) And he sent away the crowds, and entered into the boat, and came into the borders of Magdula.

Chapter Sixteen

(1) Sages and Pharisees and Zadducees came, and tempted him by asking him to show them a single sign from heaven. (2) **** (3) **** Jesus said: "You know how to judge the face of the heavens and the earth, but you have not known what is ahead of you. You do not know how to test this time and thus you cannot discern the signs of the times. (4) The offspring of evildoers seek after a sign. And no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah the Prophet." And he left them, and walked away. (5) And when Jesus came to the sea shore he told his disciples to prepare bread. Then he entered a boat with his disciples, but the disciples forgot to take bread. (7)***(8) Jesus then said to them, "You have little understanding if you think you have no bread. (9) Don't you yet understand or remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered up afterwards? (10) Don't you remember the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered up afterwards?" (10.1)[old 6] And Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." (10.2)[old 7] And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "Is it because we took no bread?" And when Jesus knew their thoughts, he said "What are you thinking, you of little faith, that it is because you have taken no bread that I say this? (11) How is it that you do not perceive that I am not talking to you concerning round loaves of bread? But beware of the teaching and behavior of the Pharisees and Sadducees." (12) Then they heard and understood that he asked them not to beware the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (12.1) Jesus explained, "The Pharisee plans in advance. Before doing wrong, he slyly reasons everything out by making all manner of subtle excuse. Take care that you do not end up suffering the same fate as them. For the wicked of humanity receive judgment not only among the living, but also they will undergo punishment and much torment later." (13) Now when Jesus came into Caesarea Philippi, he asked one and all of his disciples, saying, "What do the sons of mankind say about me, the Son of Man? (14) And they said, "Some say you are John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." (15) He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" (16) And Simon called Peter answered and said, "You are the Messiah, that is the Christ, the Son of the living God who has come into this world." (17) And Jesus answered and said to him, " Happy are you, Simon, Son of John for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but was revealed to you by my Father who is in heaven. (18) And I also tell you, you are a stone and over you I will build my house of prayer and the faction-makers of Gehenna shall not gain the upper hand against you. (19) I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (20) Then he charged the disciples that they should tell no man that he, Jesus, was the Messiah that is the Christ. (21) From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer the injustice of many scourgings and many mockings, from the elders, scribes and leading priests, and be killed, and the third day he would be raised up. (22) And Peter took him aside, and began to rebuke him, saying, " God forbid, Adon that is Master! All this shall never happen to you." (23) But Jesus turned, looked at him, and said to Peter, " Follow after me! That is, Do not disobey me and do not quarrel with me -- Satanas, that is Adversary! You are an obstacle and insult to me for you do not take pleasure in the word of God but only in the words of men." (24) Then said Jesus to his disciples, "If any man would follow me, he must reject himself, and take up his cross, that is, offer himself up to death, and follow me, that is become a dedicated follower of me. (25) For whoever would save his life will lose it for my sake. And whoever shall lose his life in this world for my sake, the same will save his soul for the life in the age of the world to come. (26) For what profit shall a man have if he shall gain the whole world but forfeit his spirit forever? Or what good exchange does the man make if for the present things that are spoil ing he should give his soul to the judgment of Gehenna? (27) For the Son of Man shall come in the glory from his Father with his angels. And then he shall reward to every man according to his works. (28) Amen I tell you that some who stand here shall not taste death until they see the Son of Man's kingdom that comes.

Chapter Seventeen

(1) And six days later, Jesus took Peter and James, and John, his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain where he might pray. (2) And the appearance of his face was altered before them. And the skin of his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white like snow. (3) And Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him, and they told him all that would happen to him in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were asleep. Asleep and not asleep. Awake but not awake. They saw his body and the two men with him. (4) When they went away, Peter said to Jesus, "It is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will make here three tabernacles--one for you and one for Moses, and one for Elijah, because he did not know what he was saying. (5) While he was still talking, a cloud overshadowed them, and they were greatly alarmed. And a voice out of the cloud said: "This is my Son, my beloved, and My delight is in him. Listen to him. You shall obey him. " (6) And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face s, and were very afraid. (7) When the voice ceased, Jesus approached and touched them and said to them, "Arise, and be not afraid." (8) And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus only. (9) And as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Do not tell about this vision which you have seen to any man until the Son of Man is risen from the dead." (10) And his disciples asked him, saying, "Why do the sages say that Elijah must come first?" (11) And he answered and said, "Elijah indeed comes, and shall save all the world and restore all things (12.1) but I tell you that Elijah came already, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they desired." (13) Then the disciples understood that he spoke about John the Baptist. (12.2) Jesus then said: "Even so shall they do to the Son of Man." (14) And when they approached the crowd, there came to him a certain man who fell on his knees bowing, saying, (15) "Lord, Adon, have compassion on my son because he is epileptic and terrified of an evil spirit, and with this sickness he is sore afflicted. He grinds his teeth and he foams at the mouth. And often he falls from his place to the ground, and he falls into the fire, and often into the water. (16) And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not cure him." (17) And Jesus answered and said, "O perverse generation! Woe to you who deny me! How long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear your trouble? Bring him here to me." (18) And Jesus rebuked him. And the demon went out of him. And the boy was cured from that hour. (19) Then came the disciples to Jesus privately, and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" (20) And he told them, " Because of the limitation of your belief. For truly I tell you, if within you becomes a belief as a grain of mustard seed, you shall tell this mountain, ` Move away from here!' and it shall immediately move away. And nothing shall be witheld from you. (21) But this kind of demon is overcome only by prayer and fasting." (22) And while they were going into Galilee, Jesus told them, "The Son of Man shall be delivered up into the hands of men. (23) And they shall kill him. And on the third day he shall be raised up." (24) And when they arrived at Capernaum- Martha, the tax-collectors that received the didrachma came to Peter, and said, " Your teacher does not follow the custom to pay the didrachma tax." (25) And he said, " Yes certainly." And when Peter came into the house, he preceded Jesus in order to speak to him. And Jesus anticipated him and prevented him from speaking first, saying, "What do you think, Simon? The kings of the earth, from whom do they receive customs tribute? From their own sons, or from foreigners?" (26) And when he said, "From foreigners," Jesus said to him, " If so, the sons are free. Do not be dismayed at this." (27) He said to Peter, "But, so we do not provoke them, go to the sea, and cast a baited net, and take up the fish that first comes up. And when you open his mouth, you shall find a stater, that is the value of a didrachma coin. That take, and give to them for us."

Chapter Eighteen

(1) In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then do you regard is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" (2) And he called to himself a little boy, and set him among them, (3) and said, "Truly I tell you, except you repent and turn, and become as this little child, you shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of the heaven s. (4) Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this boy, the same shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (5) And whoso shall receive one such boy as this in my name receives me. (6) But whoever shall cause one of these little ones that believes on me to stumble, it would be good for him never to have been born. It would be better for him that an upper millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be cast into the depths of the sea than that he should cause one of my chosen to miss the mark. (7) Woe unto the inhabitants of the world because of offences. Such offences must come. But woe to that man by whom an offence comes! (8) And if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from yourself. It is better for you to enter into life maimed or lame, rather than having two hands and two feet to be cast into the eternal fire. (9) And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from yourself. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye rather than having two eyes to be given to Gehenna. (10) And you are warned not to judge one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels do continually always report on the children of my Father who is in heaven. (11) For the Son of Man has devoted himself entirely to saving the enemies of God. (12) What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them is lost and runs off, doesn't he leave the ninety and nine in the mountains, and seek that which were led astray? (13) And if he happens to find it, Amen I tell you he rejoices over it more than over the ninety and nine which have not gone astray. (14) Even so, it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost. (15) At that time Jesus said to Simon, called Peter, "And if your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault privately. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. (16) But if he does not listen to you, reprove him before another. If by every oath he does not listen, add still one or two more, in order that your words might be before two or three witnesses because by two or three witnesses a matter and every word may be established. (17) And if by every oath he does not listen tell it in the assembly. And if he also refuses to hear in the assembly, consider him one to be shunned as an enemy and cruel. (18) Amen I tell you, what oath you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven. And what oath you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (19) Again I tell you that if two of you shall agree on earth everything which you shall ask, it shall be done for you by my Father who is in heaven. (20) For where two or three are assembled together in my Name, there am I among them. Wherever there are two, they are not without God. And wherever there is one alone, I say I am with him." (21) Then came Peter also called Kepha and said to him, "Lord, how often shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? " (22) Jesus said to him, "If your brother sin in word and has made amends with you seven times in a day, receive him." Simon, his disciple, said unto him, "Seven times in a day?" The Lord answered and said to him "up to seventy times seven. For the prophets were found with sinful speech even after they were annointed with the Holy Spirit. The one who has not forgiven seventy times seven is not worthy of me. (23) Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wished to make an accounting with his servants. (24) And when he had begun to make the accounting, one was brought to him that owed him about ten thousand pieces of gold. (25) But he had nothing to give to pay, so his master commanded him to be sold, and his wife and children and all that he had, until full payment was made to him. (26) The servant therefore fell down before his master and implored him to have pity on him, and to be patient with him because he would repay everything saying, `Lord, give me time, and I will pay you all and have patience with me.' (27) And the master of that servant had pity on him, released him, and forgave him the entire debt. (28) But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, who owed him a hundred meahs (that is about 1% of what the unforgiving servant was forgiven) and he laid hold on him, and held him fast and struck him, saying, `Pay what you owe.' (29) So his fellow-servant fell down and begged him, saying, ` Trust me and give me time and have patience with me, and I will pay everything to you.' (30) And he would not listen to him. So he went and cast him into prison until he should pay all that which was due him. (31) So when the servants of the king saw what was done, they were very angry, and came and told their master all that had happened. (32) Then his master called him, and said to him, `You cursed Servant of Belial, I forgave you all your debt because you entreated me. (33) Shouldn't you also have had pity on and forgiven your servant even as I had pity on you?' (34) And his master's anger was kindled, and commanded he be delivered to the prison and afflicted until he should re pay him all his debt. (35) So shall also my Father in Heaven do to you if you do not forgive your brother in a perfect heart his offenses against you."

Chapter Nineteen

(1) And it came to pass when Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee, and came into the region of Judah beyond the Jordan. (2) And great crowds followed him. And he healed all of them there. (3) And Pharisees came to him to tempt him, saying, "Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for any cause and to give her a bill of divorce -- a get?" (4) And he answered and said, "Have you not read that the One who made them of old, made them male and female?" (5) And he said, "For this reason shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife. And the two shall become one flesh." (6) So that they are no more two but one flesh. What therefore the Creator has joined together, man cannot separate." (7) They asked him, "Why then did Moses command to give her a get --a bill of divorcement, and to put her away from his house?" (8) He said to them, "Moses for your obstinancy suffered you to put away your wives. But from the beginning, it had not been so. (9) And I tell you, whoever has put away or shall put away his wife except for adultery, and shall marry another, commits adultery. And he that marries her when she is put away in an unlawful manner commits adultery." (10) The disciples said him, "If this is the situation between a man and his wife, it is not good to marry." (11) He said to them, " Not all can receive this saying. [It is] only for those to whom it has been given. (12) For there are eunuchs that were born as such from their mother's womb. These are those who have not sinne