Ye have heard how it was said unto them of the old time: Thou shalt not kill. For whosoever killeth, shall be in danger of judgement. But I say unto you, whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of judgement. Whosoever sayeth unto his brother *Raca, shall be in danger of a council. But whosoever sayeth thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

*Raca: worthless: from the Hebrew

Therefore when thou offerest thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought (anything) against thee: leave there thine offering before the altar, and go thy way first and be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him, lest that adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the minister, and then thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee: thou shalt not come out thence, till thou have paid the utmost *farthing.

*farthing 1/4 penny from the English.

Ye have heard how it was said to them of old time: Thou shalt not commit *advoutry. But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a wife, lusting after her, hath committed advoutry with her already in his heart.

*advoutry: prefix "a" meaning not or without, devout: devotion; plain hearted to God, being devoted to something or some one else. see James 2 for adultery.

Wherefore if thy right eye offend thee, pluck*him out, and cast him from thee. Better it is for thee that one of thy members perish, than that thy whole body should be cast into hell. Also if thy right hand offend thee, cut him off and cast him from thee. Better it is that one of thy members perish, than that all thy body should be cast into hell.

It is said, whosoever put away his wife, let him give her a testimonial also of the divorcement. But I say unto you: whosoever put away his wife, (except it be for fornication) causeth her to break matrimony. And whosoever marrieth her that is divorced, breaketh wedlock.

Again ye have heard how it was said to them of old time, thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform thine oath to God. But I say unto you, swear not at all: neither by heaven, for it is Gods seat: nor yet by the earth, for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of that great king: neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one white hair, or black: But your communication shall be, ye, ye: nay, nay. For whatsoever is more than that, cometh of evil.

Ye have heard how it is said, an eye for an eye: a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, that ye resist not wrong. But whosoever give thee a blow on thy right cheek, turn to him the other. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever will compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain (two). Give to him that asketh, and from him that would borrow turn not away.

Ye have heard how it is said: thou shalt love thine neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, love your enemies. Bless them that curse you. Do good to them that hate you. Pray for them which do you wrong and persecute you, that ye may be the children of your father that is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to arise on the evil, and on the good, and sendeth his rain on the just and unjust. For if ye love them, which love you: what reward shall ye have? Do not the *Publicans even so? And if ye be friendly to your brethren only: what singular thing do ye? Do not the Publicans likewise? Ye shall therefore be perfect, even as your father which is in heaven, is perfect.

*Publicans: collector of taxes or tribute from the public.

The 6th Chapter

Take heed to your alms, that ye give it not in the sight of men, to the intent that ye would be seen of them. Or else ye get no reward of your father which is in heaven. Whensoever therefore thou givest thine alms, thou shalt not make a trumpet to be blown before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, for to be praised of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But when thou doest thine alms, let not thy left hand know, what thy right hand doth, that thine alms may be secret: and thy father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, because they would be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But when thou prayest, enter into thy chamber, and shut thy door to thee, and pray to thy father which is in secret: and thy father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

And when ye pray, babble not much, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard, for their much babblings sake. Be ye not like them therefore. For your father knoweth whereof ye have need, before ye ask of him. After this manner therefore pray ye.

O' our father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Let thy kingdom come. Thy will be fulfilled, as well in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our*trespasses, even as we forgive our trespassers. And lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory for ever. Amen. For and if ye shall forgive other men their trespasses, your heavenly father shall also forgive you. But and ye will not forgive men their trespasses, no more shall your father forgive your trespasses.

Moreover when ye fast, be not sad as the hypocrites are. For they disfigure their faces, that they might be seen of men how they fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face, that it appear not unto men how that thou fastest: but unto thy father which is in secret: and thy father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

See that ye gather you not treasure upon the earth, where rust and moth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But gather ye treasures to gether in heaven, where neither rust nor moths corrupt, and where thieves neither break up nor yet steal. For where soever your treasure is, there will your hearts be also.

The light of the body is thine eye. Wherefore if thine eye be single, all body shall be full of light. But and if thine eye be wicked then all thy body shall be full of darkness. Wherefore if the light that is in thee, be darkness: how great is that darkness.

No man can serve two masters. For either he shall hate the one and love other: or else he shall lean to the one and despise the other: ye cannot serve God and *Mammon. Therefore I say unto you, be not *careful for your life, what shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more worth than meat, and the body more of value then raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither reap, nor yet carry the barns: and yet your heavenly father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?*Mammon: to serve for gain: unearned profit. *careful: that is full of care.

Which of you (though he took thought therefore) could put one cubit unto his stature? And why care ye then for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They labor not neither spin. And yet for all that I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his royalty was not arrayed like unto one these. Wherefore if God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow shall be cast into the furnace, shall he not much more do the same unto you, O' ye of little faith?

Therefore take no thought saying: what shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed? After all these things seek the gentiles. For your heavenly father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But rather seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and the righteousness thereof, and all these things shall be ministered unto you.

Care not then for the morrow, but let the morrow care for itself: for the day present hath ever enough of his own travail.

The 7th Chapter

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For as ye judge so shall ye be judged. And with what measure ye *mete, with the same shall it be measured to you again. Why seest thou a *mote in thy brothers eye, and perceivest not the beam in thine own eye? Or why sayest thou to thy brother: suffer me to pluck out the mote out of thine eye, and behold a beam is in thine own eye. Hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pluck out the mote out of thy brothers eye.*mete: what ever is used to measure, *mote: a speck

Give not that which is holy, to dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they tread them under their feet, and the other turn again and all to rent you.

Ask and it shall be given you. Seek and ye shall find. Knock and it shall be opened unto you. For whosoever asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Is there any man among you which if his son asked him bread, would offer him a stone? Or if he asked fish, would he proffer him a serpent? If ye then which are evil, can give to your children good gifts how much more shall your father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, even so do ye to them. This is the law and the Prophets.

Enter in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction: and many there be which go in thereat. But strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life: and few there be that find it. Beware of false Prophets, which come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns? Or figs of briars? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit. But a corrupt tree, bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth bad fruite: nor yet a bad tree can bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Not all they that say unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter in to the kingdom of heaven: but he that doth my fathers will which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not in thy name Prophesied? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name have done many miracles? And then will I knowledge unto them that I never knew them. Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity.

Whosoever heareth of me these sayings and doeth the same, I will liken him unto a wise man which built his house on a rock: and abundance of rain descended, and the floods came and the winds blew and beat upon that same house, and it fell not, because it was grounded on the rock. And whosoever heareth of me these sayings and doth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the land: and abundance of rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, that when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were *astonied at his doctrine. For he taught them as one having power, and not as the scribes. *astonied: astounded, astonished.

The 8th Chapter

When he was come down from the mountain, much people followed him. And lo, there came a leper and worshipped him saying: Master, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand and touched him, saying: I will, be thou clean, and immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said unto him. See thou tell no man, but go and show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, in witness to them.

When Jesus was entered into Capernaum there came unto him a certain Centurion, and besought him saying: Master, my servant lieth sick at home of the palsy, and is grievously pained. And Jesus said unto him: I will come and heal him. The Centurion answered and said: Sir I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof, but speak the word only and my servant shall be healed. For I also myself am a man subject to the authority of another, and have soldiers under me, and I say to one go, and he goeth, and to another come, and he cometh: and to my servant, do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard that, he marvelled and said to them that followed him: Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith: no, not in Israel. I say therefore unto you that many shall come from the east and west, and shall rest with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven: and the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into utter darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then Jesus said unto the Centurion, go thy way, and as thou believest so be it unto thee. And his servant was healed the self hour.

And then Jesus went to Peters house, and saw his wifes mother lying sick of a fever, and touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

When the evening was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils. And he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all that were sick, to fulfil that which was spoken by Esaias the Prophet saying: he took on him our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

When Jesus saw much people about him, he commanded to go over the water. And there came a Scribe and said unto him: Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him: the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the son of the man hath not whereon to rest his head. Another that was one of his Disciples said unto him: master, suffer (allow) me first, to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him: follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.

And he entered into a ship, and his Disciples followed him. And behold there arose a great tempest in the sea, in so much that the ship was covered with waves, and he was asleep. And his Disciples came to him, and awoke him saying: Master save us, we perish. And he said unto them: why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there followed a great calm. And the men marvelled and said: what man is this, that both winds and sea obey him?

And when he was come to the other side, into the country of the Gergesites, there met him two possessed of devils, which came out of the graves, and were out of measure fierce, so that no man might go by that way. And behold they cried out saying: O' Jesu the son of God, what have we to do with thee? Art thou come hither to torment us before the time be come? And there was a good way off from them a great herd of swine feeding. Then the devils besought him saying: if thou cast us out, suffer us to go our way into the herd of swine. And he said unto them: go your ways. Then went they out, and departed into the herd of swine. And behold the whole herd of swine was carried with violence headlong into the sea, and perished in the water. Then the herdsmen fled and went their ways in to the city, and told everything, and what had fortuned unto the possessed of the devils. And behold all the city came out and met Jesus, and when they saw him, they besought him to depart out of their coasts.

The 9th Chapter

Then he entered into a ship and passed over and came into his own city. And lo, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying in his bed. And when Jesus saw the faith of them, he said to the sick of the palsy: son be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee. And behold certain of the Scribes said in themselves, this man blasphemeth. And when Jesus saw their thoughts, he said: wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? Whether is easier to say, thy sins be forgiven thee, or to say: arise and walk? That ye may know that the son of man hath power to forgive sins in earth, then said he unto the sick of the palsy: arise, take up thy bed, and go home to thine house. And he arose and departed to his own house. And when the people saw it, they marvelled and glorified God which had given such power to men.

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man sit a receiving of custom, named Matthew, and said to him: follow me. And he arose and followed him. And it came to pass as he sat at meat in the house: behold many Publicans and sinners came and sat down also with Jesus and his Disciples.

When the Pharisees saw that, they said to his Disciples: why eateth your master with Publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard that, he said unto them: The whole need not the Physician, but they that are sick. Go and learn, what that meaneth: I have pleasure in mercy, and not in offering. For I am not come to call the righteous, but the sinners to repentance.

Then came the Disciples of John to him saying: why do we and the Pharisees fast oft: but thy Disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them: Can the wedding children mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. No man pieceth an old garment with a piece of new cloth. For then taketh he away the piece again from the garment, and the rent is made greater. Neither do men put new wine into old vessels, for then the vessels break, and the wine runneth out, and the vessels perish. But they pour new wine into new vessels, and so are both saved together.

While he thus spake unto them, behold there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying: my daughter is even now deceased, but come and lay thy hand on her, and she shall live. And Jesus arose and followed him with his disciples. And behold a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him and touched the hem of his vesture. For she said in herself: if I may touch but even his vesture only, I shall be safe. Then Jesus turned him about, and beheld her saying: Daughter be of good comfort, thy faith hath made thee safe. And she was made whole even that same hour.

And when Jesus came into the rulers house, and saw the minstrels and the people raging, he said unto them: Get you hence, for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. As soon as the people were put forth, he went in and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And this was noised throughout all that land.

And as Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him crying and saying: O thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come home, the blind came to him. And Jesus said unto them: Believe ye that I am able to do this? And they said unto him: yes Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying: according to your faith, be it unto you. And their eyes were opened. And Jesus charged them saying. See that no man know of it. But they, as soon as they were departed, spread abroad his name throughout all the land.

As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed of a devil. And as soon as the devil was cast out, the dumb spake. And the people marvelled, saying: it was never so seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said: he casteth out devils, by the power of the chief devil.

And Jesus went about all cities and towns, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the glad tidings of the kingdom, and healing all manner sickness and disease among the people. But when he saw the people, he had compassion on them, because they were pined away, and scattered abroad, even as sheep having no shepherd.

Then said he to his disciples: the harvest is great, but the laborers are few. Wherefore pray the Lord of the harvest, to send forth laborers into his harvest.

The 10th Chapter

And he called his twelve disciples unto him, and gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sicknesses, and all manner of diseases.

The names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon called also Peter: and Andrew his brother. James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother. Philip and Bartholomew. Thomas and Matthew the Publican. James the son of Alphe, and Lebbeus otherwise called Taddeus. Simon of Cane, and Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him.

These twelve did Jesus send, and commanded them saying: Go not into the ways that lead to the gentiles, and into the cities of the Samaritans enter ye not. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Go and preach saying: that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out the devils. Freely ye have received, freely give again. Possess not gold, nor silver, nor brass in your girdles, nor yet scrip towards your journey: neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet a staff. For the workman is worthy to have his meat. Into whatsoever city or town ye shall come, enquire who is worthy in it, and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute the same. And if the house be worthy, your peace shall come upon it. But if it be not worthy, your peace shall return to you again.

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor will hear your preaching: when ye depart out of that house or that city, shake off the dust of your feet. Truly I say unto you: it shall be easier for the land of Sodom and Gomorra in the day of judgement, than for that city.

Behold I send you forth as sheep among wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they shall deliver you up to the councils, and shall scourge you in their synagogues. And ye shall be brought to the head rulers and kings for my sake, in witness to them and to the Gentiles.

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak, for it shall be given you, even in that same hour, what ye shall say. For it is not ye that speak, but the spirit of your father which speaketh in you. The brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son. And the children shall arise against their fathers and mothers, and shall put them to death: and ye shall be hated of all men for my name. But he that endureth to the end, shall be saved.

When they persecute you in one city, fly into another. I tell you for a truth, ye shall not finish all the cities of Israel, till the son of man be come. The disciple is not above his master: nor yet the servant above his Lord. It is enough for the disciple to be as his master is, and that the servant be as his Lord is. If they have called the Lord of the house Beelzebub: how much more shall they call them of his household so? Fear them not therefore. There is nothing so close, that shall not be opened, and nothing so hid, that shall not be known.

What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light. And what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye on the house tops.

And fear ye not them which kill the body, and be not able to kill the soul. But rather fear him, which is able to destroy both soul and body into hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And none of them doth light on the ground, without your father. And now are all the hairs of your heads numbered. Fear ye not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Whosoever therefore shall knowledge me before men, him will I knowledge also before my father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my father which is in heaven.

Think not, that I am come to send peace into the earth. I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law: And a mans foes shall be they of his own household.

He that loveth his father, or mother more than me, is not meet for me. And he that loveth his son, or daughter more than me, is not meet for me. And he that taketh not his cross and followeth me, is not meet for me. He that findeth his life, shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake, shall find it.

He that receiveth you, receiveth me: and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a Prophet in the name of a Prophet, shall receive a Prophets reward. And he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, shall receive the reward of a righteous man. And whosoever shall give unto one of these little ones to drink, a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple: I tell you of a truth, he shall not lose his reward.

The 11th Chapter

And it came to pass when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, that he departed thence, to teach and to preach in their cities.

When John being in prison heard the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said unto him. Art thou he that shall come: or shall we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them. Go and show John what ye have heard and seen. The blind see, the halt go, the lepers are cleansed: the deaf hear, the dead rise again, and the glad tidings is preached to the poor. And happy is he that is not offended by me.

And as they departed, Jesus began to speak unto the people of John. To see what, went ye out into the wilderness? Went ye out to see a reed shaken with the wind? other went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold they that wear soft clothing, are in kings houses. But what went ye out for to see? A Prophet? Ye I say to you and more than a Prophet. For this is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Verify I say unto you, among the children of women arose there not a greater than John the Baptist. Notwithstanding he that is less in the kingdom of heaven, is greater than he. From the time of John Baptist hitherto the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and they that go to it with violence pluck it unto them. For all the Prophets and the law prophesied unto the time of John. And also if ye will receive it, this is Elias which should come. He that hath ears to hear let him hear.

But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children which sit in the market and call unto their fellows, and say: we have piped unto you, and ye have not danced? We have mourned unto you, and ye have not sorrowed. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, he hath the devil. The son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, behold a glutton and drinker of wine, and a friend unto publicans and sinners. Neverthelater wisdom is justified of her children.

Then began he to upbraid the cities, in which most of his miracles were done, because they mended not. Woe be to thee Chorasin. Woe be to thee Bethsaida: for if the miracles which were showed in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they had repented long agone in sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless I say to you: it shall be easier for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgement, than for you. And thou Capernaum which art lift up unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell. For if the miracles which have been done in thee, had been showed in Sodom: they had remained to this day. Nevertheless I say unto you: it shall be easier for the land of Sodom in the day of judgement, than for thee.

At that time Jesus answered and said: I praise thee O' father Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast opened them unto babes: even so father, for so it pleased thee. All things are given unto me of my father. And no man knoweth the son but thy father: neither knoweth any man the father, save the son, and he to whom the son will open him.

Come unto me all ye that labor and are laden, and I will ease you. Take my yoke on you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The 12th Chapter

In that time went Jesus on the Sabbath days through the corn and his disciples were an hungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. When the Pharisees saw that, they said unto him: Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath day. He said unto them: Have ye not read what David did, when he was anhungered, and they also which were with him? How he entered into the house of God, and ate the hallowed loaves which were not lawful for him to eat neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests. Or have ye not read in the law, how that the priests in the temple break the Sabbath day, and yet are blameless? But I say unto you: that here is one greater than the temple. Wherefore if ye had wist (known) what this saying meaneth: I require mercy, and not sacrifice: ye would never have condemned innocents. For the son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

And he departed thence, and went into their synagogue: and behold there was a man which had his hand dried up. And they asked him, saying: is it lawful to heal upon the Sabbath days? because they might accuse him. And he said unto them: which of you would it be, if he had a sheep fallen into a pit on the Sabbath day, that would not take him and lift him out? And how much is a man better then a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do a good deed on the Sabbath days. Then said he to the man: stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth. And it was made whole again like unto the other.

Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. When Jesus knew that, he departed thence, and much people followed him, and he healed them all, and charged them that they should not make him known: to fulfil that which was spoken by Esai the Prophet, which sayeth. Behold my child, whom I have chosen, my beloved, in whom my soul delighteth. I will put my spirit on him, and he shall show judgement to the gentiles. He shall not strive, he shall not cry, neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets, a bruised reed shall he not break, and flax that beginneth to burn, he shall not quench, till he send forth judgement unto victory, and in his name shall the gentiles trust.

Then was brought to him, one possessed with a devil which was both blind, and dumb: and he healed him, in so much that he which was blind and dumb, both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said: Is not this that son of David? But when the Pharisees heard that, they said: This fellow driveth the devils no other wise out but by the help of Belzebub the chief of the devils.

But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them. Every kingdom divided within itself, shall be brought to naught. Neither shall any city or household divided against itself, continue. So if Satan cast out Satan, then is he divided against himself. How shall then his kingdom endure? Also if I by the help of Belzebub cast out devils: by whose help do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out the devils by the spirit of God: then is the kingdom of God come on you?

Either how can a man enter into a strong mans house, and violently take away his goods: except he first bind the strong man, and then spoil his house? He that is not with me, is against me. And he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy of the spirit, shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the son of man, it shall be forgiven him. But whosoever speaketh against the holy ghost, it shall not be forgiven him: no, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Either make the tree good, and his fruit good also: or else make the tree evil, and his fruit evil also. For the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye say well, when ye yourselves are evil? For of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things. And an evil man out of his evil treasure, bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, that of every idle word that men shall have spoken: they shall give accounts at the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shalt be justified: and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Then answered certain of the Scribes and of the Pharisees saying: Master, we would fain see a sign of thee. He answered and said to them: The evil and *advoutrous generation seeketh a sign, but there shall no sign be given to them, save the sign of the Prophet Jonas. For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whales belly: so shall the son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise at the day of judgement with this nation, and condemn them: for they amended at the preaching of Jonas. And behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The queen of the south shall rise at the day of judgement with this generation, and shall condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the world to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold a greater than Solomon is here.

*advoutry: prefix "a" meaning not or without, devout: devotion; plain hearted to God, being devoted to something or some one else. see James 2 for adultery

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh throughout dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he sayeth: I will return again into my house, from whence I came out. And when he is come, he findeth the house empty and swept and garnished. Then he goeth his way, and taketh unto him seven other spirits worse then himself, and so enter they in and dwell there. And the end of that man is worse than the beginning. Even so shall it be with this evil nation.

While he yet talked to the people: behold his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him: behold thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

He answered and said to him that told him: Who is my mother? or who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand over his disciples and said: behold my mother and my brethren. For whosoever doth my fathers will which is in heaven, the same is my brother, sister and mother.

The 13th Chapter

The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side, and much people resorted unto him, so greatly that he went, and sat in a ship, and all the people stood on the shore. And he spake many things to them in similitudes, saying: Behold, the sower went forth to sow. And as he sowed, some fell by the ways side, and the fowls came and devoured it up. Some fell upon stony ground where it had not much earth, and anon (right away) it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: and when the *sun was up it caught heat, and for lack of rooting withered away. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked it. Part fell in good ground, and brought forth good fruit: some an hundred fold, some sixty fold, some thirty fold. Whosoever hath ears to hear, let him hear.

*sun: spelled sunne (compare below)

And the disciples came and said to him: Why speakest thou to them in parables? He answered and said unto them, it is given unto you to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

For whosoever hath to him shall be given: and he shall have abundance. But whosoever hath not: from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in similitudes: for though they see, they see not: and hearing they hear not: nether understand. And in them is fulfilled the Prophecy of Esaias, which prophecy saith: with the ears ye shall hear and shall not understand, and with the eyes ye shall see, and shall not perceive. For this peoples hearts are waxed gross, and their ears were dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their hearts, and should turn, that I might heal them.

But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. Verily I say unto you, that many prophets, and perfect men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them: and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Hear ye therefore the similitude of the sower. Whosoever heareth the word of the kingdom and understandeth it not, there cometh the evil man and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. And this is he which was sown by the way side. But he that was sown in the stony ground, is he which heareth the word of God, and anon (right away) with joy receiveth it, yet hath no roots in himself, and therefore dureth (endureth) but a season: for as soon as tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he falleth. He that was sown among thorns, is he that heareth the word of God: but the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and so is he made unfruitful. He which is sown in the good ground is he that heareth the word and understandeth it: which also beareth fruit and bringeth forth, some hundred fold, some sixty fold, and some thirty fold.

Another similitude put he forth unto them saying: The kingdom is like unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept there came his foe and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. When the blade was sprung up and had brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. Then came the servants to the householder, and said unto him: Sir sowest thou good seed in thy *close, from whence then hath it tares? He said to them: the envious man hath done this. Then the servants said unto him: wilt thou then that we go and weed them out? But he said, nay, lest while ye go about to weed out the tares, ye pluck up also with them the wheat by the roots: let both grow together till harvest come, and in time of harvest, I will say to the reapers, gather ye first the tares, and bind them in sheaves to be burnt: but gather the wheat into my barn.

 *close: to bring in the sides, as when covering seed .

Another parable he put forth unto them saying. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man taketh and soweth in his field, which is the least of all seeds. But when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and it is a tree: so that the birds of the air come and build in the branches of it.

Another similitude said he to them. The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven which a woman taketh and hideth in three pecks of meal, till all be leavened.

All these things spake Jesus unto the people by similitudes, and with out similitudes spake he nothing to them, to fulfil that which was spoken by the Prophet saying: I will open my mouth in similitudes, and will speak forth things which have been kept secret from the beginning of the world.

Then sent Jesus the people away, and came home. And his disciples came unto him, saying: declare unto us the similitude of the tares in the field. Then answered he and said to them. He that soweth the good seed, is the son of man. And the field is the world. And the children of the kingdom, they are the good seed. And the tares are the children of the wicked. And the enemy that soweth them, is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world. And the reapers be the Angels. For even as the tares are gathered and burnt in the fire: be in the end of this world. The son of man shall send forth his Angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity, and shall cast them into a furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the just men shine as bright as the *son in the kingdom of their father. Whosoever hath ears to hear, let him hear.

*son: exactly as it appears in the text, sonne, know that sun found above was written as sunne .

Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in the field, which a man findeth and hideth: and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant that seeketh good pearls, which when he had found one precious pearl, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net cast into the sea, that gathereth of all kinds of fishes: which when it is full, men draw to land, and sit and gather the good into vessels, and cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world. The Angels shall come out and sever the bad from the good, and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Jesus said unto them: Understand ye all these things? They said, ye Lord. Then said he unto them: Therefore every Scribe which is taught unto the kingdom of heaven is like an householder, which bringeth forth, out of his treasure, things both new and old.

And it came to pass when Jesus had finished these similitudes, that he departed thence, and came in to his own country, and taught them in their synagogues, in so much that they were astonied and said: whence cometh all this wisdom and power unto him? Is not this the Carpenters son? Is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren be called James and Joses and Simon and Judas? And are not his sisters all here with us? Whence hath he all these things. And they were offended by him. Then Jesus said to them, a Prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and among his own kin. And he did not many miracles there, for their unbeliefs sake.

The 14th Chapter

At that time Herod the Tetrarcha heard of the fame of Jesu, and said unto his servants: this is John the Baptist. He is risen again from death and therefore are such miracles wrought by him. For Herod had taken John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias sake, his brother Philips wife. For John said unto him: It is not lawful for thee to have her. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the people, because they counted him as a Prophet.

But when Herods birthday was come the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Wherefore he promised with an oath, that he would give her whatsoever she would ask. And she being informed of her mother before, said: give me here John Baptists head in a platter. And the King sorrowed. Nevertheless for his oaths sake, and for their sakes which sat also at the table, he commanded it to be given her: and sent and beheaded John in the prison, and his head was brought in a platter and given to the damsel, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took up his body, and buried it: and went and told Jesus.

When Jesus heard that, he departed thence by ship into a desert place out of the way. And when the people had heard thereof, they followed him afoot out of their cities. And Jesus went forth and saw much people, and his heart did melt upon them, and he healed of them those that were sick. When evening was come, his disciples came to him saying: this is a desert place, and the day is spent: let the people depart, that they may go into the towns, and buy them victuals. But Jesus said to them: They have no need to go away. Give ye them to eat. Then said they unto him: we have here but five loaves and two fishes. And he said: bring them hither. And he commanded the people to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looked up to heaven and blessed, and brake and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. And they did all eat, and were sufficed. And they gathered up of the gobbets (bit or morsel) that remained twelve baskets full. And they that ate, were in number about five thousand men, beside women and children.

And straight way Jesus made his disciples enter into a ship, and to go over before him, while he sent the people away. And as soon as he had sent the people away, he went up into a mountain alone to pray. And when night was come, he was there himself alone. And the ship was now in the midst of the sea, and was tossed with waves, for it was a contrary wind. In the fourth watch of the night Jesus came unto them walking on the sea. And when his disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying: it is some spirit, and cried out for fear. And straight way Jesus spake unto them saying: be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid.

Peter answered him, and said: master, if thou be he, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw a mighty wind, he was afraid. And as he began to sink, he cried saying: master save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said to him: O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And as soon as they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship, came and worshipped him, saying: of a truth thou art the son of God. And when they were come over, they went in to the land of Genazareth. And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were sick, and besought him, that they might touch the hem of his vesture only. And as many as touched it were made safe.

The 15th Chapter

Then came to Jesus Scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem saying: why do thy disciples transgress the traditions of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. He answered and said unto them: why do ye also transgress the commandment of God, through your traditions? For God commanded saying: honour thy father and mother and he that curseth father or mother shall suffer death. But ye say, every man shall say to his father or mother: that which thou desirest of me to help thee with: is given God: and so shall he not honour his father or his mother. And thus have ye made, that the commandment of God is without effect, through your traditions. Hypocrites, well prophesied of you Esaias saying: This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouths, and honoureth me with their lips, how be it their hearts are far from me: but in vain they worship me teaching doctrines, which are nothing but mens precepts.

And he called the people unto him, and said to them: hear and understand. That which goeth into the mouth, defileth not the man: but that which cometh out of the mouth, defileth the man.

Then came his disciples, and said unto him. Perceivest thou not, how that the Pharisees are offended in hearing this saying? He answered and said: all plants which my heavenly father hath not planted, shall be plucked up by the roots. Let them alone, they be the blind leaders of the blind. If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Then answered Peter and said to him: declare unto us this parable. Then said Jesus: are ye yet without understanding? perceive ye not, that whatsoever goeth in at the mouth, descendeth down into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth, come from the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, breaking of wedlock whoredom, theft, false witnessbearing, blasphemy. These are the things which defile a man. But to eat with unwashen hands, defileth not a man.

And Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And behold a woman which was a Canaanite came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying: have mercy on me Lord thou son of David, my daughter is piteously vexed with a devil. And he gave her never a word to answer. Then came to him his disciples, and besought him saying: send her away, for she followeth us crying. He answered, and said: I am not sent, but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then she came and worshipped him, saying: master help me. He answered and said: it is not good, to take the childrens bread, and to cast it to dogs. She answered and said: truth Lord, nevertheless the dogs eat of the crumbs, which fall from their masters table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her. O woman great is thy faith, be it to thee, even as thou desirest. And her daughter was made whole even at that same hour.

Then Jesus went away from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee, and went up in to a mountain and sat down there. And much people came unto him, having with them, halt, blind, dumb, maimed, and other many: and cast them down at Jesus feet. And he healed them, in so much that the people wondered, to see the dumb speak, the maimed whole, the halt to go, and the blind to see. And they glorified the God of Israel.

Then Jesus called his disciples to him, and said: I have compassion on the people because they have continued with me now three days, and have nought to eat: and I will not let them depart fasting, lest they perish in the way. And his disciples said unto him: whence should we get so much bread in the wilderness, as should suffice so great a multitude? And Jesus said unto them: how many loaves have ye? And they said: seven, and a few little fishes. And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and took the seven loaves, and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. And they did all eat and were sufficed. And they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. And yet they that ate were four thousand men, beside women and children. And he sent away the people, and took ship and came into the parts of Magdala.

The 16th Chapter

Then came the Pharisees and Sadducees, and did tempt him, desiring him to show them some sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them. At evening ye say, we shall have fair weather, and that because the sky is red: and in the morning ye say, today shall be foul weather, and that because the sky is cloudy and red. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the fashion of the sky: and can ye not discern the signs of the times? The froward nation and *advoutrous seeketh a sign, and there shall none other sign be given unto them but the sign of the Prophet Jonas. So left he them and departed.

*advoutry: prefix "a" meaning not or without, devout: devotion; plain hearted to God, being devoted to something or some one else. see James 2 for adultery .

And when his disciples were come to the other side of the water, they had forgotten to take bread with them. Then Jesus unto them: Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. And they thought in themselves saying: because we have brought no bread with us. When Jesus understood that, he said unto them. O ye of little faith, why are your minds cumbered because ye have brought no bread? Do ye not yet perceive, neither remember those five leaves when there were five thousand men, and how many baskets took ye up? Neither the seven loaves, when there were four thousand and how many baskets took ye up? Why perceive ye not then, that I spake not unto you of bread, when I said, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they, how that he bade not them beware of the leaven of bread: but of the doctrine of the Pharisees, and of the Sadducees.

When Jesus came into coasts of the city which is called Cesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples saying: whom do men say that I the son of man am? They said, some say that thou art John Baptist, some Helias (Elias), some Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He said unto them: but whom say ye that I am? Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ the son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said to him: happy art thou Simon the son of Jonas, for flesh and blood hath not opened unto thee that, but my father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee that thou art Peter: and upon this rock I will build my congregation. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee, the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou bindest upon earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou *loosest on earth, shall be *lowsed in heaven.

*loosest: open from the Hebrew(see below) same word. lowsed: exactly as it is written. low from the Hebrew is "humbled"

Then he charged his disciples, that they should tell no man, that he was Jesus Christ. From that time forth, Jesus began to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders, and of the high Priests, and of the Scribes, and must be killed, and rise again the third day. But Peter took him aside, and began to rebuke him saying: master, favour thyself, this shall not come unto thee. Then turned he about, and said unto Peter: *come after me Satan thou offendest me, because thou savourest not godly things, but worldly things.

Jesus then said to his disciples. If any man will follow me let him forsake himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whosoever will save his life, shall *loose it. And whosoever shall *loose his life for my sake, shall find it. What shall it profit a man, though he should win all the whole world if he *loose his own soul? Or else what shall a man give to redeem his soul again with all? For the son of man shall come in the glory of his father, with his angels: and then shall he reward every man according to his deeds. Verily I say unto you, some there be among them that here stand, which shall not taste of death, till they shall have seen the son of man come in his kingdom.

*loose: exactly as it appears: loose from the Hebrew is to "open" which is to say reveal or make known.

The 17th Chapter

And after six days Jesus took Peter and James and John his brother, and brought them up into an high mountain out of the way, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his clothes were as white as the light. And behold there appeared unto them, Moses and Helias (Elias), talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said to Jesus: master here is good being for us. If thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Helias (Elias). While he yet spake, behold a bright cloud shadowed them. And behold there came a voice out of the cloud saying: this is my dear son, in whom I delight, hear him. And when the disciples heard that, they fell on their faces, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said: arise and be not afraid. And when they looked up, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them saying: see that ye show the vision to no man, until the son of man be risen again from death. And his disciples asked of him, saying: Why then say the Scribes, that Helias (Elias) must first come? Jesus answered, and said unto them: Helias (Elias) shall first come, and restore all things. And I say unto you that Helias is come already, and they knew him not: but have done unto him whatsoever they lusted. In like wise shall also the son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples perceived that he spake unto them of John Baptist. And when they were come to the people, there came to him a certain man, and kneeled down to him, and said: Master have mercy on my son for he is lunatic: and is sore vexed. And oft times he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not heal him. Jesus answered and said: O generation faithless and crooked: how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil, and he came out of him. And the child was healed even that same hour.

Then came the disciples to Jesus secretly, and said: Why could not we cast him out? Jesus said unto them: Because of your unbelief. For I say verily unto you: if ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye should say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place, and he should remove: neither should any thing be unpossible for you to do. How be it this kind goeth not out, but by prayer and fasting. As they passed the time in Galilee, Jesus said unto them: the son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men, and they shall kill him, and the third day he shall rise again. And they sorrowed greatly.

And when they were come to Capernaum, they that were wont to gather poll money, came to Peter and said: Doth your master pay tribute? He said: ye. And when he was come into the house, Jesus spake first to him, saying: what thinkest thou Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take tribute or poll money? of their children, or of strangers? Peter said unto him: of strangers. Then said Jesus unto him again: Then are the children free. Nevertheless: lest we should offend them: go to the sea and cast in thine angle (hook), and take the fish that first cometh up: and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of twenty pence: that take and pay for me and thee.

The 18th Chapter

The same time the disciples came unto Jesus saying: who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Jesus called a child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said: Verily I say unto you: except ye turn, and become as children, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore humble himself as this child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whosoever receiveth such a child in my name, receiveth me. But whosoever offend one of these little ones, which believe in me: it were better for him, that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe be unto the world because of offenses. How be it, it cannot be avoided but that offences shall be given. Nevertheless woe be to the man, by whom the offense cometh.

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut* him off and cast him from thee. It is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather then thou shouldest having two hands or two feet, be cast into everlasting fire. And if also thine eye offend thee, pluck him out and cast him from thee. It is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. See that ye despise not one of these little ones. For I say unto you, that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my father, which is in heaven. Ye, and the son of man is come to save that which is lost. How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave ninety and nine in the mountains, and go and seek that one which is gone astray? If it happen that he find him, verily I say unto you: he rejoiceth more of that sheep, then of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your father in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

 *hit: exactly as written hit: from the Hebrew meaning to "find".

Moreover if thy brother trespass against thee. Go and tell him his fault between him and thee alone. If he hear thee, thou hast won thy brother: But if he hear thee not, then take yet with thee one or two, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, all things may be established. If he hear not them, tell it unto the congregation. If he hear not the congregation, take him as an heathen man and as a publican. Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven. And whatsoever ye *lowse on earth, shall be *lowsed in heaven. Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree in earth upon any manner thing, whatsoever they shall desire: it shall be given them of my father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

*lowse: again as above; low from the Hebrew is to humble.

Then came Peter to him, and said: master, how oft shall I forgive my brother, if he sin against me, seven times? Jesus said unto him: I say not unto thee seven times: but seventy times seven times. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take accounts of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which ought him ten thousand talents: whom because he had nought to pay, his master commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant fell down and besought him saying: Sir, give me respite (reprieve), and I will pay it every whit. Then had the lord pity on that servant, and *lowsed him, and forgave him the debt.

*lowse: again as above; low from the Hebrew is to humble.

And the said servant went out and found one of his fellows, which ought (owed) him an hundred pence, and laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying: pay me that thou owest. And his fellow fell down and besought him saying: have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. When his other fellows saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their Lord all that had happened. Then his Lord called him, and said unto him. O evil servant I forgave thee all that debt, because thou prayedst me: was it not *mete (measured) also that thou shouldest have had compassion on thy fellow, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all that was due to him. So likewise shall my heavenly father do unto you, except ye forgive with your hearts, each one to his brother their trespasses.

The 19th Chapter

And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished those sayings, he gat him from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Jewry beyond Jordan, and much people followed him, and he healed them there.

Then came unto him the Pharisees tempting him, and saying to him: Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for all manner of causes? He answered and said unto them: Have ye not read, how that he which made man at the beginning, made them man and woman and said: for this thing, shall a man leave father and mother and cleave unto his wife, and they twain (two) shall be one flesh. Wherefore now are they not twain, but one flesh: Let not man therefore put asunder, that which God hath coupled together. Then said they to him: why did Moses command to give a testimonial of divorcement and to put her away? He said unto them: Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered (allowed) you to put away your wives: But from the beginning it was not so. I say therefore unto you, whosoever putteth away his wife (except it be for fornication) and marrieth another breaketh wedlock. And whosoever marrieth her which is divorced, doth commit *advoutry.

*advoutry: prefix "a" meaning not or without, devout: devotion; plain hearted to God, being devoted to something or some one else. see James 2 for adultery

Then said his disciples to him: if the matter be so between man and wife, then is it not good to marry. He said unto them: all men cannot away with that saying save they to whom it is given. There are chaste, which were so born out of their mothers belly. And there are chaste, which be made of men. And there be chaste, which have made themselves chaste for the kingdom of heavens sake. He that can take it, let him take it. Then were brought to him young children, that he should put his hands on them and pray. And the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said: suffer (allow) the children and forbid them not to come to me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And when he had put his hands on them he departed thence.

And behold one came, and said unto him: good master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? He said unto him: why callest thou my good? there is none good but one, and that is God. But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. The other said to him: Which? And Jesus said: break no wedlock, kill not: steal not: bear not false witness: honour father and mother: and love thine neighbor as thy self. And the young man said unto him: I have observed all these things from my youth, what lack I yet? And Jesus said unto him if thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give it to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me. When the young man heard that saying, he went away mourning. For he had great possessions.

Then Jesus said unto his disciples: Verily I say unto you: it is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. And moreover I say unto you: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, then for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard that, they were exceedingly amazed, saying: who then can be saved: Jesus beheld them, and said unto them: with men this is unpossible, but with God all things are possible.

Then answered Peter, and said to him: Behold, we have forsaken all and followed thee, what shall we have? Jesus said unto them: verily I say to you: when the son of man shall sit in the seat of his majesty, ye which follow me in the second generation shall sit also upon twelve seats, and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. And whosoever forsaketh houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my names sake, the same shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life. Many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first.

The 20th Chapter

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. And he agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, and sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw other standing idle in the marketplace, and said unto them, go ye also into my vineyard: and whatsoever is right, I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And he went out about the eleventh hour and found other standing idle, and said unto them: Why stand ye here all the day idle? They said unto him: because no man hath hired us. He said to them: go ye also into my vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

When evening was come, the Lord of the vineyard said unto his steward: call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning at the last, till thou come to the first. And they which were hired about the eleventh hour, came and received every man a penny. Then came the first, supposing that they should receive more: and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house saying: These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

He answered to one of them saying: friend I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny? Take that which is thy duty, and go thy way. I will give unto this last, as much as to thee. Is it not lawful for me to do as me listeth with mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. For many are called and few be chosen. And Jesus ascended to Jerusalem and took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said to them. Behold we go up to Jerusalem, and the son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief Priests, and unto the Scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the gentiles, to be mocked, to be scourged, and to be crucified: and the third day he shall rise again.

Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her: what wilt thou have? She said unto him: Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand in thy kingdom.

Jesus answered and said: Ye wot (know) not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptised with the baptism that I shall be baptised with? They answered to him, that we are. And he said unto them: Ye shall drink of my cup, and shall be baptised with the baptism that I shall be baptised with. But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand, is not mine to give: but to them for whom it is prepared of my father.

And when the ten heard this, they disdained at the two brethren: But Jesus called them unto him and said: Ye know that the lords of the gentiles have domination over them. And they that are great, exercise power over them. It shall not be so among you. But whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister: and whosoever will be chief, let him be your servant, even as the son of man came, not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life for the redemption of many.

And as they departed from Hericho (Jericho), much people followed him. and behold two blind men sitting by the wayside, when they heard Jesus pass by, cried saying: Thou Lord the son of David have mercy on us. And the people rebuked them, because they should hold their peace. But they cried the more saying: have mercy on us thou Lord which art the son of David. Then Jesus stood still, and called them, and said: what will ye that I should do to you? They said to him: Lord that our eyes may be opened. Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes and immediately their eyes received sight. And they followed him.

The 21st Chapter

When they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto mount Olivet: then sent Jesus two of his disciples, saying to them: Go into the town that lieth over against you, and anon (in a short time) ye shall find an ass bound, and her colt with her: loose them and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, say ye that the Lord hath need of them: and straight way he will let them go. All this was done, to fulfil that which was spoken by the prophet, saying: Tell ye the daughter of Sion: behold thy king cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass and a colt, the foal of an ass used to the yoke. The disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them, and brought the ass and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and set him thereon. And many of the people spread their garments in the way. Other cut down branches from the trees, and strawed (strewed) them in the way. Moreover the people that went before, and they also that came after, cried saying: Hosanna to the son of David. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest.

And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved saying: who is this? And the people said: this is Jesus the Prophet of Nazareth a city of Galilee. And Jesus went in to the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said to them: It is written, my house shall be called the house of prayer. But ye have made it a den of thieves. And the blind and the halt came to him in the temple, and he healed them.

When the chief Priests and Scribes saw the marvels that he did, and the children crying in the temple and saying: Hosanna to the son of David, they disdained, and said unto him: hearest thou what these say? Jesus said unto them yee: have ye never read, of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast ordained praise? And he left them, and went out of the city unto Bethany, and had his abiding there.

In the morning as he returned into the city again, he hungered, and spied a fig tree in the way, and came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said to it, never fruit grow on thee hence forward. And anon (shortly) the fig tree withered away. And when his disciples saw that, they marvelled saying. How soon is the fig tree withered away? Jesus answered, and said unto them: Verily I say unto you, if ye shall have faith and shall not doubt, ye shall not only do that which I have done to the fig tree: but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, take thyself away, and cast thyself into the sea, it shall be done. And whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer (if ye believe) ye shall receive it.

And when he was come in to the temple, the chief Priests and the elders of the people, came unto him as he was teaching, and said by what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this power? Jesus answered, and said unto them: I also will ask of you a certain question, which if ye *assoil (pardon, atone, absolve) me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptime (baptism) of John: whence was it? from heaven or of men? Then they reasoned among themselves saying: if we shall say from heaven, he will say unto us: why did ye not then believe him? But and if we shall say of men, then fear we the people. For all men held John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus and said: we cannot tell. And he likewise said unto them: neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. What say ye to this? A certain man had two sons, and came to the elder and said: son go and work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward repented and went. Then came he to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said: I will sir: yet went not. Whether of them twain (two) did the will of the father? And they said unto him: the first. Jesus said unto them: verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots shall come into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not. But the publicans and the harlots believed him. And yet ye (though ye saw it) were not yet moved with repentance, that ye might afterward have believed him.

Hearken another similitude. There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and made a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went in to a strange country. And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen to receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen caught his servants, and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants, more than the first: and they served them likewise. But last of all, he sent unto them his own son saying: they will fear my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves. This is the heir: come, let us kill him, and let us take his inheritance to ourselves. And they caught him and thrust him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the Lord of the vineyard cometh, what will he do with those husbandmen? They said unto him: he will cruelly destroy those evil persons, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall deliver him the fruit at times convenient. Jesus said unto them: did ye never read in the scriptures? The stone which the builders refused the same is set in the principal part of the corner: this was the Lords doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Therefore say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and shall be given to the Gentiles, which shall bring forth the fruits of it. And whosoever shall fall on this stone, he shall be broken, but on whosoever it shall fall upon, it will grind him to powder. And when the chief Priests and Pharisees heard these similitudes, they perceived that he spake of them. And they went about to lay hands on him, but they feared the people, because they took him as a Prophet.

The 22nd Chapter

And Jesus answered and spake unto them again, in similitudes, saying. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain King, which married his son, and sent forth his servants, to call them that were bid to the wedding, and they would not come. Again he sent forth other servants, saying. Tell them which are bidden: behold I have prepared my dinner, mine oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready, come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways: one to his *firm (business) place, another about his merchandise, the remnant took his servants and intreated them ungodly and slew them. When the king heard that, he was wroth, and sent forth his warriors and destroyed those murderers, and burnt up their city.

*firm: original text: ferme .

Then said he to his servants: the wedding was prepared. But they which were bidden, were not worthy. Go ye therefore out into the highways, and as many as ye find, bid them to the marriage. The servants went out into the highways, and gathered to gether as many as they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding was furnished with guests. Then the king came in, to visit the guests, and spied there a man which had not on a wedding garment, and said unto him: friend, how fortuned it that thou camest in hither and hast not on a wedding garment? And he was even speechless. Then said the king to his ministers: take and bind him hand and foot, and cast him into utter darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called and few be chosen.

Then went the Pharisees and took counsel how they might tangle him in his words. And they sent unto him their disciples with Herods servants saying: Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God truly, neither carest for any man, for thou considerest not mens estate. Tell us therefore: how thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar or not? Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said: Why tempt ye me ye hypocrites? Let me see the tribute money. And they took him a penny. And he said unto them: whose is this Image and superscription? They said unto him: Caesars. Then said he unto them: Give therefore to Caesar, that which is Caesars: and give unto God, that which is Gods. When they heard that, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

The same day the Sadducees came to him (which say that there is no resurrection) and asked him saying: Master, Moses bade, if a man die having no children, that the brother marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. There were with us seven brethren, and the first married and deceased without issue and left his wife unto his brother. Like wise the second and the third, unto the seventh. Last of all the woman died also. Now in the resurrection, whose wife shall she be of the seven? For all had her. Jesus answered and said unto them ye are deceived and understand not the scriptures, nor yet the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are married: but are as the Angels in heaven.

As touching the resurrection of the dead: have ye not read what is said unto you of God, which sayeth: I am Abrahams God, and Isaacs God, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead: but of the living. And when the people heard that, they were astonied at his doctrine.

When the Pharisees had heard, how that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they drew to gether, and one of them which was a doctor of law, asked a question tempting him and saying: Master, which is the chief commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him: Love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and the chief commandment. And there is another like unto this. Love thine neighbor as thyself. In these two commandments hang all the law and the Prophets.

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them saying: what think ye of Christ? Whose son is he? They said unto him, the son of David. He said unto them: how then doth David in spirit, call him Lord saying: The Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand till I make thine enemies thy footstool. If David call him Lord: how is he then his son? And none could answer him again one word: neither durst any from that day forth, ask him any more questions.

The 23rd Chapter

Then spake Jesus to the people, and to his disciples saying: The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat. All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do: but after their works do not: For they say, and do not. Ye, and they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on mens shoulders: but they themselves will not heave at them with one of their fingers. All their works they do, for to be seen of men. They set abroad their *phylacteries, and make large borders on their garments, and love to sit uppermost at feasts and to have the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men Rabbi.

*phylacteries: either of two leather pouches containing scriptures, one worn on the left arm, the other on the forehead, by these Scribes or Pharisees

But ye shall not suffer (allow) yourselves to be called Rabbi. For one is your master, that is to wit (know) Christ, and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth, for there is but one your father, and he is in heaven. Be not called masters, for there is but one your master, and he is Christ. He that is greatest among you, shall be your servant. But whosoever exalteth himself, shall be brought low. And he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted. *Woe be unto you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven before men: ye yourselves go not in, neither suffer ye them that come, to enter in.

*Woe: this woe and the following appear as "bold type" in the text.

Woe be unto you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites: ye devour widows houses: and that under a colour of praying long prayers wherefore ye shall receive greater damnation.

Woe be unto you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, which compass sea and land, to bring one in to your belief: and when he is brought, ye make him two fold more the child of hell, than ye yourselves are.

Woe be unto you blind guides, which say whosoever swear by the temple: it is nothing: but whosoever swear by the gold of the temple, he offendeth. Ye fools and blind: whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And whosoever sweareth by the altar, it is nothing: but whosoever sweareth by the offering that lieth on the altar, offendeth. Ye fools and blind: whether is greater the offering, or the altar which sanctifieth the offering? Whosoever therefore sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all that thereon is. And whosoever sweareth by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that sweareth by heaven, sweareth by the seat of God and by him that sitteth thereon.

Woe be to you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, which tithe mint, annise and cummin, and leave the weightier matters of the law undone: judgement, mercy, and faith. These ought ye to have done, and not to have left the other undone. Ye blind guides which strain out a gnat and swallow a camel.

Woe be to you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, which make clean the outer side of the cup, and of the platter: but within they are full of bribery and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first, the inside of the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

Woe be to you Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites, for ye are like unto painted tombs which appear beautiful outward: but are within full of dead bones and of all filthiness. So are ye, for outward ye appear righteous unto men, when within, ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Woe be unto you Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites: ye build the tombs of the Prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous, and say: If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in the blood of the Prophets. So then ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the Prophets. Fulfil ye likewise the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents and generation of vipers, how should ye scape the damnation of hell?

Wherefore, behold I send unto you, prophets, wise men and scribes, and of them ye shall kill and crucify: and of them ye shall scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, that upon you may come all the righteous blood that was shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel, unto the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, all these things shall light upon this generation. Jerusalem, Jerusalem which killest Prophets, and stonest them which are sent to thee: how often would I have gathered thy children together, as the hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but ye would not: Behold your habitation shall be left unto you desolate. For I say to you, ye shall not see me henceforth, till that ye say: blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

The 24th Chapter

And Jesus went out and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him, for to show him the building of the temple. Jesus said unto them: see ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you: there shall not be here left one stone upon another, that shall not be cast down.

And as he sat upon the mount Olivet, his disciples came unto him secretly saying. Tell us when these things shall be: and what sign shall be of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered, and said unto them: take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name saying: I am Christ: and shall deceive many. Ye shall hear of wars, and of the fame of wars: but see that ye be not troubled. For all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and realm against realm: and there shall be pestilence, hunger and earthquakes in all quarters. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Then shall they put you to trouble, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my names sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one the other. And many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall have the upper hand, the love of many shall abate. But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be safe. And this glad tidings of the kingdom: shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations: and then shall the end come.

When ye therefore shall see the abomination that betokeneth desolation, spoken of by Daniel the Prophet, stand in the holy place: let him that readeth it, understand it. Then let them which be in Jury (Jewry), fly into the mountains. And let him which is on the house top, not come down to fetch anything out of his house. Neither let him which is in the field, return back to fetch his clothes. Woe shall be in those days to them that are with child, and to them that give suck. But pray that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day. For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not from the beginning of the world to this time, nor shall be. Ye and except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the chosens sake, those days shall be shortened.

Then if any man shall say unto you: lo, here is Christ, or there is Christ: believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall do great miracles and wonders. In so much that if it were possible, the very elect should be deceived. Take heed, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you: behold he is in the desert, go not forth: behold he is in the secret places, believe not. For as the lightning cometh out of the East and shineth unto the west: so shall the coming of the son of man be. For wheresoever a dead carcass is, even thither will the eagles resort. Immediately after the tribulations of those days, shall the sun be darkened: and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall move. And then shall appear the sign of the son of man in heaven. And then shall all the kindreds of the earth mourn, and they shall see the son of man come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his Angels with the great voice of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his chosen, from the four winds, and from the one end of the world to the other.

Learn a similitude of the fig tree: when his branches are yet tender and his leaves sprung, ye know that summer is nigh. So likewise ye, when ye see all these things, be ye sure that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass till all these be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall perish, but my words shall abide. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, but my father only.

As the time of Noe was, so likewise shall the coming of the son of man be. For as in the days before the flood: they did eat and drink, marry, and were married, even unto the day that Noe entered in to the ship, and knew of nothing, till the flood came and took them all away: So shall also the coming of the son of man be. Then two shall be in the fields, the one shall be received, and the other shall be refused, two shall be grinding at the mill the one shall be received, and the other shall be refused. Wake therefore, because ye know not what hour your master will come. Of this be sure, that if the good man of the house knew what hour the thief would come: he would surely watch, and not suffer his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready, for in the hour ye think he would not: will the son of man come. If there be any faithful servant and wise, whom his master hath made ruler over his household to give them meat in season convenient, happy is that servant whom his master (when he cometh) shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, my master will defer his coming, and begin to smite his fellows, ye and to eat and to drink with the drunken: that servants master will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not ware of, and will divide him, and give him his reward with hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The 25th Chapter

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went to meet the bridegroom: five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The foolish took their lamps, but took none oil with them. But the wise took oil with them in their vessels with their lamps also. While the bridegroom tarried, all slumbered and slept. And even at midnight, there was a cry made: behold, the bridegroom cometh, go out against him. Then all those virgins arose, and prepared their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: give us of your oil, for our lamps go out. But the wise answered saying: Not so, lest there be not enough for us and you: but go rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the wedding, and the gate was shut up. Afterwards came also the other virgins saying: Master, master, open to us. But he answered and said: verily I say unto you: I know not you. Watch therefore: for ye know neither the day not yet the hour, when the son of man shall come.

Likewise as a certain man ready to take his journey to a strange country, called his servants and delivered to them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two and to another one: to every man after his ability, and straight way departed. Then he that had received the five talents, went and bestowed them, and won other five talents. Likewise he that received two, gained other two. But he that received the one, went and digged a pit in the earth, and hid his masters money. After a long season the Lord of those servants came and reckoned with them. Then came he that had received five talents, and brought other five talents saying: master, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold I have gained with them five talents more. Then his master said unto him: well good servant and faithful. Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter in into thy masters joy. Also he that received two talents, came and said: master, thou deliveredest unto me two talents: behold, I have won two other talents with them. And his master said unto him, well good servant and faithful. Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much, go in into thy masters joy.

Then he which had received the one talent came and said: master, I considered that thou wast an hard man, which reapest where thou sowedst not, and gatherest where thou strawedst (strewed) not, and was therefore afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: Behold, thou hast thine own. His master answered and said unto him: thou evil servant and slothful, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not and gather where I strawed not: thou oughtest therefore to have had my money to the changers, and then at my coming should I have received mine own with vantage. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every man that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance, and from him that hath not, shall be taken away, even that he hath. And cast that unprofitable servant into utter darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

When the son of man cometh in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the seat of his glory, and before him shall be gathered all nations. And he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth the sheep from the goats. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, and the goats on the left. Then shall the King say to them on his right hand: Come ye blessed children of my father, inherit ye the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat. I thirsted, and ye gave me drink. I was harborless, and ye lodged me. I was naked and ye clothed me. I was sick and ye visited me. I was in prison and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him saying: master, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or a thirst, and gave thee drink? when saw we thee harborless, and lodged thee? or naked and clothed thee? or when saw we thee sick or in prison and came unto thee? And the king shall answer and say unto them: Verily I say unto you: in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it to me.

Then shall the king say unto them that shall be on the left hand: depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire: which is prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat. I thirsted, and ye gave me no drink. I was harborless, and ye lodged me not. I was naked, and ye clothed me not. I was sick and in prison, and ye visited me not.

Then shall they also answer him saying: master, when saw we thee an hungered, or a thirst, or harborless, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them and say: Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go into everlasting pain: And the righteous into life eternal.

The 26th Chapter

And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples: Ye know that after two days shall be easter, and the son of man shall be delivered to be crucified.

Then assembled to gether the chief priests and the scribes and the elders of the people to the palace of the high priest, called Caiphas, and held a counsel, how they might take Jesus by subtlety and kill him. But they said, not on the holy day, lest any uproar arise among the people.

When Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, there came unto him a woman, which had an alabaster box of precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at the board. When his disciples saw that, they had indignation saying: what needed this waste? This ointment might have been well sold, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood that, he said unto them: why trouble ye the woman? She hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye shall have poor folk always with you: but me shall ye not have always. And in that she cast this ointment on my body, she did it to bury me with all. Verily I say unto you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout all the world there shall also this that she hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

Then one of the twelve called Judas Iscariot went unto the chief priests, and said: what will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they appointed unto him thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

The first day of sweet bread the disciples came to Jesus saying unto him: where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the *paschal lamb? And he said: Go into the city, unto such a man, and say to him, the master saith, my time is at hand, I will keep mine easter at thy house with my disciples. And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them, and made ready the easterlamb.

*paschal lamb: the lamb sacrificed at the first passover.

When the evening was come he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, he said: Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him: is it I master? He answered and said: he that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe be to that man, by whom the son of man shall be betrayed. It had been good for that man, if he had never been born. Then Judas which betrayed him, answered and said: is it I master? He said unto him: thou hast said. As they did eat, Jesus took bread and gave thanks, brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said: Take, eat, this is my body. And he took the cup, and thanked, and gave it them, saying: drink of it every one. For this is my blood of the new testament, that shall be shed for many, for the *remission of sins. I say unto you: I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine tree, until that day, when I shall drink it new with you in my fathers kingdom.

*remission: the act of forgiving,/ giving up a possession, claim or right.

And when they had said *grace, they went out into mount olivet. Then said Jesus unto them: all ye shall be offended by me this night. For it is written: I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galile. Peter answered, into him: though all men should be offended by thee, yet would I never be offended. Jesus said unto him: Verily I say unto thee, that this same night before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice (three times). Peter said unto him. If I should die with thee, yet would I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

Then went Jesus with them into a place which is called Gethsemane, and said unto the disciples, sit ye here while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebede, and began to wax sorrowful and to be in agony. Then said Jesus unto them: my soul is heavy even unto the death. Tarry here: and watch with me. And he went a little apart, and fell flat on his face, and prayed saying: O' my father, if it possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he came unto the disciples, and found them asleep, and said to Peter: what, could ye not watch one hour: Watch: and pray that ye fall not into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

He went away once more, and prayed, saying: O' my father, if this cup cannot pass away from me, but that I drink of it, thy will be fulfilled. And he came, and found them asleep again. For their eyes were heavy. And he left and went again, and prayed the third time saying the same words. Then came he to his disciples and said unto them: Sleep henceforth and take your rest. Take heed the hour is at hand, and the son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that shall betray me. While he yet spake: lo, Judas one of the twelve came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. And he that betrayed him, had given them a token, saying: whosoever I kiss, the same is he, lay hands on him. And forth with all he came to Jesus, and said, hail Master: and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him: friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they and laid hands on Jesus and took him.

And behold, one of them which were with Jesus, stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him: put up thy sword into his sheath.

For all that lay hand on the sword, shall perish with the sword. Either thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my father, and he shall give me more than twelve Legions of angels? But how then should the scriptures be fulfilled: For so must it be. The same time said Jesus to the multitude: ye be come out as it were unto a thief, with swords and staves for to take me. I sat daily teaching in the temple among you, and ye took me not. All this was done that the scriptures of the Prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him and fled. And they took Jesus and led him to Caiphas the high Priest, where the Scribes and the elders where assembled. And Peter followed him afar off, unto the high priests place: and went in, and sat with the servants to see the end.

The chief Priests and the elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, for to put him to death, but found none: in so much that when many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, and said: This fellow said: I can destroy the temple of God, and build it again in three days. And the chief Priest arose, and said to him: answerest thou nothing? How is it that these bear witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the chief priest answered, and said to him: I charge thee in the name of the living God, that thou tell us, whether thou be Christ the son of God. Jesus said to him: thou hast said. Nevertheless I say unto you, hereafter shall ye see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and come in the clouds of the sky.

Then the high priest rent his clothes saying: He hath blasphemed: what need we of any more witnesses? Behold now ye have heard his blasphemy: what think ye? They answered and said: he is worthy to die. Then spat they in his face, and buffeted him with fists. And other smote him with the palm of their hands on the face, saying: tell us thou Christ, who is he that smote thee?

Peter sat without in the palace. And a damsel came to him saying: Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee: but he denied before them all saying: I wot (know) not what thou sayest. When he was gone out into the porch, another wench saw him, and said unto them that were there: This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath that he knew the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by and said unto Peter surely thou art even one of them, for thy speech betrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, that he knew not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the words of Jesus which said unto him: before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice (three times): and went out at the doors and wept bitterly.

The 27th Chapter

When the morning was come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people held a counsel against Jesus, to put him to death, and brought him bound and delivered him unto Pontius Pilate the *deputy.

* deputy: exact text: debite; from the Latin meaning to keep accounts of debts, today these are kept on the left of the ledger. Official listener to quarrels.

Then when Judas which betrayed him, saw that he was condemned, he repented himself, and brought again the thirty plates of silver to the chief Priests and elders saying: I have sinned betraying the innocent blood. And they said: what is that to us? See thou to that. And he cast down the silver plates in the temple and departed, and went and hung himself.

And the chief priest took the silver plates and said: it is not lawful for to put them in to the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them a potters field to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field is called the field of blood, until this day. Then was fulfilled, that which was spoken by Jeremy the Prophet saying: and they took thirty silver plates, the price of him that was valued whom they bought of the children of Israel, and they gave them for the potters field, as the Lord appointed me. Jesus stood before the *deputy: and the deputy asked him saying: art thou the king of the Jews: Jesus said unto him: Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him: hearest thou not, how many things they lay against thee? And he answered him never a word: in so much that the deputy marvelled greatly.

At that feast, the deputy was wont to deliver unto the people a prisoner, whom they would desire. He had then a notable prisoner called Barabbas. And when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them: whether will ye that I give loose unto you, Barabbas or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew well, that for envy they had delivered him.

When he was set down to give judgement his wife sent to him saying: have thou nothing to do with that just man. For I have suffered many things this day in a dream about him. But the chief priests and the elders had persuaded the people, that they should ask Barabbas, and should destroy Jesus. Then the deputy answered and said unto them: whether of the twain (two) will ye that I let loose unto you? And they said, Barabbas. Pilate said unto them: what shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all said to him: let him be crucified. Then said the deputy: what evil hath he done? And they cried the more saying: let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he prevailed nothing but that more business was made, he took water and washed his hands before the people saying: I am innocent of the blood of this just person, and that ye shall see. Then answered all the people and said: his blood be on us, and on our children. Then let he Barabbas loose unto them, and scourged Jesus, and delivered him to be crucified.

Then the soldiers of the deputy took Jesus unto the common hall, and gathered unto him all the company. And they stripped him and put on him a purple robe, and *plaited a crown of thorns and put upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and bowed their knees before him, and mocked him, saying: hail king of the Jews: and spitted upon him, and took the reed and smote him on the head.

*plaited: braided

And when they had mocked him, they took the robe off him again, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyren, named Simon: him they compelled to bear his cross. And when they came unto the place, called Golgotha (that is to say, a place of dead mens skulls) they gave him vinegar to drink mingled with *gall. And when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

*gall: bitter, poison from the Hebrew.

When they had crucified him, they parted his garments, and did cast lots: to fulfil that was spoken by the Prophet: They divided my garments among them: and upon my vesture did cast lots. And they sat and watched him there and they set up over his head the cause of his death written: This is Jesus the king of the Jews. And there were two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

They that passed by, reviled him wagging their heads and saying: Thou that destroyest the temple of God and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the high priests mocking him with the Scribes and elders said: He saved other, him self he cannot save. If he be the king of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God, let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the son of God. That same also the thieves which were crucified with him, cast in his teeth.

From the sixth hour was there darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying: Eli, Eli, lama asbathani. That is to say, my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said: This man calleth for Helias (Elias). And straight way one of them ran and took a sponge and filled it full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. Other said, let be: let us see whether Helias (Elias) will come and deliver him. Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up the ghost.

And behold the veil of the temple did rent in twain (two) from the top to the bottom, and the earth did quake, and the stones did rent and graves did open: and the bodies of many saints which slept, arose and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and came into the holy city, and appeared unto many. When the Centurion and they that were with him watching Jesus, saw the earthquake and those things which happened, they feared greatly, saying, Of a surety this was the son of God.

And many women were there, beholding him afar off, which followed Jesus from Galile, ministering unto him. Among which was Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedes children. When the evening was come, there came a rich man of Arimathia named Joseph, which same also was Jesus disciple. He went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And Joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and put it in his new tomb, which he had hewn out, even in the rock, and rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre and departed. And there was Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sitting over against the sepulchre. The next day that followeth the day of preparing the Saboth, the high priests and Pharisees got themselves to Pilate and said: Sir, we remember, that this deceiver said while he was yet alive. After three days I will arise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest peradventure his disciples come and steal him away and say unto the people, he is risen from death, and the last error be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them. Take watchmen: Go, and make it as sure as ye can. And they went and made the sepulchre sure with watchmen, and sealed the stone.

The 28th Chapter

The sabbath day at evening which dawneth the morrow after the sabboth, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the sepulchre.

And behold there was a great earthquake. For the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow.

And for fear of him the keepers were astunned, and became as dead men.

The angel answered and said to the women, fear ye not. I know that ye seek Jesus which was crucified: he is not here: he is risen as he said. Come, and see the place where the Lord was put: and go quickly and tell his disciples that he is risen from death. And behold, he will go before you into Galile, there ye shall see him. Lo I have told you.

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great Joy: and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples: behold, Jesus met them saying: All hail. And they came and held him by the feet and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them: be not afraid. Go and tell my brethren, that they go into Galile, and there shall they see me. When they were gone: behold, some of the keepers came in to the city, and showed unto the high priests, all the things that were happened. And they gathered them together with the elders, and took counsel, and gave large money unto the soldiers saying: Say that his disciples came by night, and stole him away while ye slept. And if this come to the rulers ears, we will pease him, and save you harmless. And they took the money and did as they were taught. And this saying is noised among the Jews unto this day.

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galile, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him. But some of them doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them saying: All power is given unto me in heaven, and in earth. Go therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the father, and the son, and the holy ghost: Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I commanded you. And lo, I am with you alway, even until the end of the world.

Here endeth the Gospel of St Matthew