THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO
M AT T H E W
CHAPTER 1 Abiud the father of Eliakim,
1 A record of the genealogy of J e- Eliakim the father of Azor,
sus Christ the son of David, the son 14 Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok
of Abraham: the father of Akim, Akim the father
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, of Eliud,
Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the 15 Eliud the father of Eleazar,
father of Judah and his brothers, Eleazar the father of Matthan,
3 Judah the father of Perez and Matthan the father of Jacob,
Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, P e- 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph,
rez the father of Hezron, Hezron the the husband of Mary, of whom was
father of Ram, born Jesus, who is called Christ.
4 Ram the father of Amminadab, 17 Thus there were fourteen gene r-
Amminadab the father of Nahshon, ations in all from Abraham to D a-
Nahshon the father of Salmon, vid, fourteen from David to the e x-
5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose ile to Babylon, and fourteen from
mother was Rahab, Boaz the father the exile to the Christ. [Or Messiah.
of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, “The Christ” (Greek) and “the Me s-
Obed the father of Jesse, siah” (Hebrew) both mean “the
6 and Jesse the father of King D a- Anointed One”.]
vid. David was the father of Sol o- 18 This is how the birth of Jesus
mon, whose mother had been Christ came about: His mother Mary
Uriah’s wife, was pledged to be married to J o-
7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam, seph, but before they came togeth er,
Rehoboam the father of Abijah, she was found to be with child
Abijah the father of Asa, through the Holy Spirit.
8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, 19 Because Joseph her husband was
Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, a righteous man and did not want to
Jehoram the father of Uzziah, expose her to public disgrace, he
9 Uzziah the father of Jotham, had in mind to divorce her quietly.
Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the 20 But after he had considered this,
father of Hezekiah, an angel of the Lord appeared to
10 Hezekiah the father of Manas- him in a dream and said, “Joseph
seh, Manasseh the father of Am on, son of David, do not be afraid to
Amon the father of Josiah, take Mary home as your wife, b e-
11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah cause what is conceived in her is
[That is, Jehoiachin; also in verse from the Holy Spirit.
12] and his brothers at the time of 21 She will give birth to a son, and
the exile to Babylon. you are to give him the name Jesus,
12 After the exile to Babylon: [Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua,
Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, which means the LORD saves.] b e-
Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, cause he will save his people from
13 Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, their sins.”
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22 All this took place to fulfil what exact time the star had appeared.
the Lord had said through the 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and
prophet: said, “Go and make a careful search
23 “The virgin will be with child for the child. As soon as you find
and will give birth to a son, and him, report to me, so that I too may
they will call him Immanuel” — go and worship him.”
[Isaiah 7:14] which means, “God 9 After they had heard the king,
with us.” they went on their way, and the star
24 When Joseph woke up, he did they had seen in the east [Or seen
what the angel of the Lord had when it rose] went ahead of them
commanded him and took Mary until it stopped over the place where
home as his wife. the child was.
25 But he had no union with her 10 When they saw the star, they
until she gave birth to a son. And he were overjoyed.
gave him the name Jesus. 11 On coming to the house, they
saw the child with his mother Mary,
CHAPTER 2 and they bowed down and wo r-
1 After Jesus was born in Bethl e- shipped him. Then they opened their
hem in Judea, during the time of treasures and presented him with
King Herod, Magi [Traditionally gifts of gold and of incense and of
Wise Men] from the east came to myrrh.
Jerusalem 12 And having been warned in a
2 and asked, “Where is the one who dream not to go back to Herod, they
has been born king of the Jews? We returned to their country by another
saw his star in the east [Or star route.
when it rose] and have come to wo r- 13 When they had gone, an angel of
ship him.” the Lord appeared to Joseph in a
3 When King Herod heard this he dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the
was disturbed, and all Jerusalem child and his mother and escape to
with him. Egypt. Stay there until I tell you,
4 When he had called together all for Herod is going to search for the
the people’s chief priests and teac h- child to kill him.”
ers of the law, he asked them where 14 So he got up, took the child and
the Christ [Or Messiah] was to be his mother during the night and left
born. for Egypt,
5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they r e- 15 where he stayed until the death
plied, “for this is what the prophet of Herod. And so was fulfilled what
has written: the Lord had said through the
6 “`But you, Bethlehem, in the land prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my
of Judah, are by no means least son.” [Hosea 11:1]
among the rulers of Judah; for out 16 When Herod realised that he had
of you will come a ruler who will be been outwitted by the Magi, he was
the shepherd of my people Israel.’“ furious, and he gave orders to kill
[Micah 5:2] all the boys in Bethlehem and its
7 Then Herod called the Magi s e- vicinity who were two years old and
cretly and found out from them the under, in accordance with the time
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he had learned from the Magi. region of the Jordan.
17 Then what was said through the 6 Confessing their sins, they were
prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: baptised by him in the Jordan River.
18 “A voice is heard in Ramah, 7 But when he saw m any of the
weeping and great mourning, Rachel Pharisees and Sadducees coming to
weeping for her children and refu s- where he was baptising, he said to
ing to be comforted, because they them: “You brood of vipers! Who
are no more.” [Jer. 31:15] warned you to flee from the coming
19 After Herod died, an angel of wrath?
the Lord appeared in a dream to J o- 8 Produce fruit in keeping with r e-
seph in Egypt pentance.
20 and said, “Get up, take the child 9 And do not think you can say to
and his mother and go to the land of yourselves, `We have A braham as
Israel, for those who were trying to our father.’ I tell you that out of
take the child’s life are dead.” these stones God can raise up chi l-
21 So he got up, took the child and dren for Abraham.
his mother and went to the land of 10 The axe is already at the root of
Israel. the trees, and every tree that does
22 But when he heard that not produce good fruit will be cut
Archelaus was reigning in Judea in down and thrown into the fire.
place of his father Herod, he was 11 “I baptise you with [Or in] water
afraid to go there. Having been for repentance. But after me will
warned in a dream, he withdrew to come one who is more powerful
the district of Galilee, than I, whose sandals I am not fit to
23 and he went and lived in a town carry. He will baptise you with the
called Nazareth. So was fulfilled Holy Spirit and with fire.
what was said through the prophets: 12 His winnowing fork is in his
“He will be called a Nazarene.” hand, and he will clear his thres h-
ing-floor, gathering his wheat into
CHAPTER 3 the barn and burning up the chaff
1 In those days John the Baptist with unquenchable fire.”
came, preaching in the Desert of J u- 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to
dea the Jordan to be baptised by John.
2 and saying, “Repent, for the 14 But John tried to deter him, sa y-
kingdom of heaven is near.” ing, “I need to be baptised by you,
3 This is he who was spoken of and do you come to me?”
through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now;
of one calling in the desert, `Prepare it is proper for us to do this to fulfil
the way for the Lord, make straight all righteousness.” Then John co n-
paths for him.’“ [Isaiah 40:3] sented.
4 John’s clothes were made of ca m- 16 As soon as Jesus was baptised,
el’s hair, and he h ad a leather belt he went up out of the water. At that
round his waist. His food was l o- moment heaven was opened, and he
custs and wild honey. saw the Spirit of God descendi ng
5 People went out to him from J e- like a dove and lighting on him.
rusalem and all Judea and the whole 17 And a voice from heaven said,
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“This is my Son, whom I love; with lived in Capernaum, which was by
him I am well pleased.” the lake in the area of Zebulun and
Naphtali —
CHAPTER 4 14 to fulfil what was said through
1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit the prophet Isaiah:
into the desert to be tempted by the 15 “Land of Zebulun and land of
devil. Naphtali, the way to the sea, along
2 After fasting for forty days and the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles
forty nights, he was hungry. —
3 The tempter came to him and
said, “If you are the Son of God, CHAPTER 4
tell these stones to become bread.” 16 the people living in darkness
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: have seen a great light; on those li v-
`Man does not live on bread alone, ing in the land of the shadow of
but on every word that comes from death a light has dawned.” [Isaiah
the mouth of God.’“ [Deut. 8:3] 9:1,2]
5 Then the devil took him to the 17 From that time on Jesus began
holy city and had him stand on the to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom
highest point of the temple. of heaven is near.”
6 “If you are the Son of God,” he 18 As Jesus was walking beside the
said, “throw yourself down. For it is Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers,
written: “`He will command his a n- Simon called Peter an d his brother
gels concerning you, and they will Andrew. They were casting a net i n-
lift you up in their hands, so that to the lake, for they were fishermen.
you will not strike your foot against 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said,
a stone.’“ [Psalm 91:11,12] “and I will make you fishers of
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also men.”
written: `Do not put the Lord your 20 At once they left their nets and
God to the test.’“ [Deut. 6:16] followed him.
8 Again, the devil took him to a 21 Going on from there, he saw two
very high mountain and showed him other brothers, James son of Zeb e-
all the kingdoms of the world and dee and his brother John. They were
their splendour. in a boat with their father Zebedee,
9 “All this I will give you,” he preparing their nets. Jesus called
said, “if you will bow down and them,
worship me.” 22 and immediately they left the
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from boat and their father and followed
me, Satan! For it is written: `Wo r- him.
ship the Lord your God, and serve 23 Jesus went throughout Galilee,
him only.’“ [Deut. 6:13] teaching in their synagogues,
11 Then the devil left him, and a n- preaching the good news of the
gels came and attended him. kingdom, and healing every disease
12 When Jesus heard that John had and sickness among the people.
been put in prison, he returned to 24 News about him spread all over
Galilee. Syria, and people brought to him all
13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and who were ill with various diseases,
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those suffering severe pain, th e de- men.
mon-possessed, those having sei- 14 “You are the light of the world.
zures, and the paralysed, and he A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
healed them. 15 Neither do people light a lamp
25 Large crowds from Galilee, the and put it under a bowl. Instead they
Decapolis, [That is, the Ten Cities] put it on its stand, and it gives light
Jerusalem, Judea and the region to everyone in the house.
across the Jordan followed him. 16 In the same way, let your light
shine before men, that they may see
CHAPTER 5 your good deeds and praise your F a-
1 Now when he saw the crowd s, he ther in heaven.
went up on a mountainside and sat 17 “Do not think that I have come
down. His disciples came to him, to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I
2 and he began to teach them, sa y- have not come to abolish them but
ing: to fulfil them.
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. and earth disappear, not the smallest
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for letter, not the least stroke of a pen,
they will be comforted. will by any means disappear from
5 Blessed are the meek, for they the Law until everything is acco m-
will inherit the earth. plished.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and 19 Anyone who breaks one o f the
thirst for righteousness, for they least of these commandments and
will be filled. teaches others to do the same will
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they be called least in thekingdom of
will be shown mercy. heaven, but whoever practises and
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for teaches these commands will be
they will see God. called great in the kingdom of hea v-
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for en.
they will be called sons of God. 20 For I tell you that unless your
10 Blessed are those who are pe r- righteousness surpasses that of the
secuted because of righteousness, Pharisees and the teachers of the
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. law, you will certainly not enter the
11 “Blessed are you when people kingdom of heaven.
insult you, persecute you and falsely 21 “You have heard that it was said
say all kinds of evil against you be- to the people long ago, `Do not
cause of me. murder, [Exodus 20:13] and anyone
12 Rejoice and be glad, because who murders will be subject to
great is your reward in heaven, for judgment.’
in the same way they persecuted the 22 But I tell you that anyone who
prophets who were before you. is angry with his brother [Some
13 “You are the salt of the earth. manuscripts: brother without cause]
But if the salt loses its saltiness, will be subject to judgment. Again,
how can it be made salty again? It is anyone who says to his brother,
no longer good for anything, except `Raca,’ [An Aramaic term of co n-
to be thrown out and trampled by tempt] is answerable to the Sanhed-
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rin. But anyone who says, `You adultery.
fool!’ will be in danger of the fire 33 “Again, you have heard that it
of hell. was said to the people long ago, `Do
23 “Therefore, if you are offering not break your oath, but keep the
your gift at the altar and there r e- oaths you have made to the Lord.’
member that your brother has som e- 34 But I tell you, Do not swear at
thing against you, all: either by heaven, for it is God’s
24 leave your gift there in front of throne;
the altar. First go and be recon ciled 35 or by the earth, for it is his
to your brother; then come and offer footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is
your gift. the city of the Great King.
25 “Settle matters quickly with 36 And do not swear by your head,
your adversary who is taking you to for you cannot make even one hair
court. Do it while you are still with white or black.
him on the way, or he may hand you 37 Simply let your `Yes’ be `Yes’,
over to the judge, and the judge may and your `No’, `No’; anything b e-
hand you over to the officer, and yond this comes from the evil one.
you may be thrown into prison. 38 “You have heard that it was
26 I tell you the truth, you will not said, `Eye for eye, and tooth for
get out until you have paid the last tooth.’ [Exodus 21:24; Lev. 24:20
penny. [Greek: kodrantes] and Deut. 19:21]
27 “You have heard that it was 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an
said, `Do not commit adultery.’ [E x- evil person. If someone strikes you
odus 20:14] on the right cheek, turn to him the
28 But I tell you that anyone wh o other also.
looks at a woman lustfully has a l- 40 And if someone wants to sue
ready committed adultery with her you and take your tunic, let him
in his heart. have your cloak as well.
29 If your right eye causes you to 41 If someone forces you to go one
sin, gouge it out and throw it away. mile, go with him two miles.
It is better for you to lose one part 42 Give to the one who asks you,
of your body than for your whole and do not turn away from the one
body to be thrown into hell. who wants to borrow from you.
30 And if your right hand causes 43 “You have heard that it was
you to sin, cut it off and throw it said, `Love your neighbour [Lev.
away. It is better for you to lose one 19:18] and hate your enemy.’
part of your body than for your 44 But I tell you: Love your en e-
whole body to go into hell. mies [Some late manuscripts en e-
31 “It has been said, `Anyone who mies, bless those who curse you, do
divorces his wife must give her a good to those who hate you] and
certificate of divorce.’ [Deut. 24:1] pray for those who persecute you,
32 But I tell you that anyone who 45 that you may be sons of your
divorces his wife, except for marital Father in heaven. He causes his sun
unfaithfulness, causes her to become to rise on the evil and the good, and
an adulteress, and anyone who ma r- sends rain on the righteous and the
ries the divorced woman commits unrighteous.
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46 If you love those who love you, you ask him.
what reward will you get? Are not 9 “This, then, is how you should
even the tax collectors doing that? pray: “`Our Father in heaven, ha l-
47 And if you greet only your lowed be your name,
brothers, what are you doing more 10 your kingdom come, your will
than others? Do not even pagans do be done on earth as it is in heaven.
that? 11 Give us today our daily bread.
48 Be perfect, therefore, as your 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also
heavenly Father is perfect. have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
CHAPTER 6 but deliver us from the evil one.’
1 “Be careful not to do your `acts [Or from evil; some late man u-
of righteousness’ before men, to be scripts one, for yours is the kin g-
seen by them. If you do, you will dom and the power and the glory for
have no reward from your Father in ever. Amen.]
heaven. 14 For if you forgive men when
2 “So when you give to the needy, they sin against you, your heavenly
do not announce it with trumpets, as Father will also forgiv e you.
the hypocrites do in the synagogues 15 But if you do not forgive men
and on the streets, to be honoured their sins, your Father will not fo r-
by men. I tell you the truth, they give your sins.
have received their reward in full. 16 “When you fast, do not look
3 But when you give to the needy, sombre as the hypocrites do, for
do not let your left hand know what they disfigure their faces to show
your right hand is doing, men they are fasting. I tell you the
4 so that your giving may be in s e- truth, they have received their re-
cret. Then your Father, who sees ward in full.
what is done in secret, will reward 17 But when you fast, put oil on
you. your head and wash your face,
5 “And when you pray, do not be 18 so that it will not be obvious to
like the hypocrites, for they love to men that you are fasting, but only to
pray standing in the synagogues and your Father, who is unseen; and
on the street corners to be seen by your Father, who sees what is done
men. I tell you the truth, they have in secret, will reward you.
received their reward in full. 19 “Do not store up for yourselves
6 But when you pray, go into your treasures on earth, where moth and
room, close the door and pray to rust destroy, and where thieves
your Father, who is unseen. Then break in and steal.
your Father, who sees what is done 20 But store up for yourselves
in secret, will reward you. treasures in heaven, where moth and
7 And when you pray, do not keep rust do not destroy, and where
on babbling like pagans, for they thieves do not break in and steal .
think they will be heard because of 21 For where your treasure is, there
their many words. your heart will be also.
8 Do not be like them, for your F a- 22 “The eye is the lamp of the
ther knows what you need before body. If your eyes are good, your
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whole body will be full of light. tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry
23 But if your eyes are bad, your about itself. Each day has enough
whole body will be full of darkness. trouble of its own.
If then the light within you is dark-
ness, how great is that darkness! CHAPTER 7
24 “No-one can serve two masters. 1 “Do not judge, or you too will be
Either he will hate the one and love judged.
the other, or he will be devoted to 2 For in the same way as you judge
the one and despise the other. You others, you will be judged, and with
cannot serve both God and Money. the measure you use, it will be
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not measured to you.
worry about your life, what you will 3 “Why do you look at the speck of
eat or drink; or about your body, sawdust in your brother ’s eye and
what you will wear. Is not life more pay no attention to the plank in your
important than food, and the body own eye?
more important than clothes? 4 How can you say to your brother,
26 Look at the birds of the air; they `Let me take the speck out of your
do not sow or reap or store away in eye,’ when all the time there is a
barns, and yet your heavenly Father plank in your own eye?
feeds them. Are you not much more 5 You hypocrite, first take the
valuable than they? plank out of your own eye, and then
27 Who of you by worrying can add you will see clearly to remove the
a single hour to his life? [Or single speck from your brother ’s eye.
cubit to his height] 6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred;
28 “And why do you worry about do not throw your pearls to pigs. If
clothes? See how the lilies of the you do, they may trample them u n-
field grow. They do not labour or der their feet, and then turn and tear
spin. you to pieces.
29 Yet I tell you that not even So l- 7 “Ask and it will be given to you;
omon in all his splendour was seek and you will find; knock and
dressed like one of these. the door will be opened to you .
30 If that is how God clothes the 8 For everyone who asks receives;
grass of the field, which is here t o- he who seeks finds; and to him who
day and tomorrow is thrown into the knocks, the door will be opened.
fire, will he not much more clothe 9 “Which of you, if his son asks for
you, O you of little faith? bread, will give him a stone?
31 So do not worry, saying, `What 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will
shall we eat?’ or `What shall we give him a snake?
drink?’ or `What shall we wear?’ 11 If you, then, though you a re
32 For the pagans run after all th e- evil, know how to give good gifts to
se things, and your heavenly Father your children, how much more will
knows that you need them. your Father in heaven give good
33 But seek first his kingdom and gifts to those who ask him!
his righteousness, and all these 12 So in everything, do to others
things will be given to you as well. what you would have them do to
34 Therefore do not worry about you, for this sums up the Law and
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the Prophets. the rock.
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. 26 But everyone who hears these
For wide is the gate and broad is the words of mine and does not put
road that leads to destruction, and them into practice is like a foolish
many enter through it. man who built his house on sand.
14 But small is the gate and narrow 27 The rain came down, the streams
the road that leads to life, and only rose, and the winds blew and beat
a few find it. against that house, and it fell with a
15 “Watch out for false prophets. great crash.”
They come to you in sheep’s clot h- 28 When Jesus had finished saying
ing, but inwardly they are ferocious these things, the crowds were
wolves. amazed at his teaching,
16 By their fruit you will recognise 29 because he taught as one who
them. Do people pick grapes from had authority, and not as their
thornbushes, or figs from thistles? teachers of the law.
17 Likewise every good tree bears
good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad CHAPTER 8
fruit. 1 When he came down from the
18 A good tree cannot bear bad mountainside, large crowds fo l-
fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear lowed him.
good fruit. 2 A man with leprosy [The Greek
19 Every tree that does not bear word was used for various diseases
good fruit is cut down and thrown affecting the skin — not necessarily
into the fire. leprosy.] came and knelt before him
20 Thus, by their fruit you will and said, “Lord, if you are willing,
recognise them. you can make me clean.”
21 “Not everyone who says to me, 3 Jesus reached out his hand and
`Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom touched the man. “I am willing,” he
of heaven, but only he who does the said. “Be clean!” Immediately he
will of my Father who is in heaven. was cured [Greek: made clean] of
22 Many will say to me on that day, his leprosy.
`Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in 4 Then Jesus said to him, “See that
your name, and in your name drive you don’t tell anyone. But go, show
out demons and perform many mira- yourself to the priest and offer the
cles?’ gift Moses commanded, as a test i-
23 Then I will tell them plainly, `I mony to them.”
never knew you. Away from me, you 5 When Jesus had entered Cape rna-
evildoers!’ um, a centurion came to him, as king
24 “Therefore everyone who hears for help.
these words of mine and puts them 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies
into practice is like a wise man who at home paralysed and in terrible
built his house on the rock. suffering.”
25 The rain came down, the streams 7 Jesus said to him, “I will go and
rose, and the winds blew and beat heal him.”
against that house; yet it did not 8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do
fall, because it had its foundation on not deserve to have you come under
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my roof. But just say the word, and 20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes
my servant will be healed. and birds of the air have nests, but
9 For I myself am a man under a u- the Son of Man has nowhere to lay
thority, with soldiers under me. I his head.”
tell this one, `Go,’ and he goes; and 21 Another disciple said to him,
that one, `Come,’ and he comes. I “Lord, first let me go and bury my
say to my servant, `Do this,’ and he father.”
does it.” 22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me,
10 When Jesus heard this, he was and let the dead bury their own
astonished and said to those follo w- dead.”
ing him, “I tell you the truth, I have 23 Then he got into the boat and
not found anyone in Israel with such his disciples followed him.
great faith. 24 Without warning, a furious
11 I say to you that many will come storm came up on the lake, so that
from the east and the west, and will the waves swept over the boat . But
take their places at the feast with Jesus was sleeping.
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the 25 The disciples went and woke
kingdom of heaven. him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re
12 But the subjects of the kingdom going to drown!”
will be thrown outside, into the 26 He replied, “You of little faith,
darkness, where there will be wee p- why are you so afraid?” Then he got
ing and gnashing of teeth.” up and rebuked the winds and the
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, waves, and it was completely calm.
“Go! It will be done just as you b e- 27 The men were amazed and
lieved it would.” And his servant asked, “What kind of man is this?
was healed at that very hour. Even the winds and the waves obey
14 When Jesus came into Peter ’s him!”
house, he saw Peter ’s moth erin- law 28 When he arrived at the other
lying in bed with a fever. side in the region of the Gadarenes,
15 He touched her hand and the f e- [Some manuscripts: Gergesenes;
ver left her, and she got up and b e- others Gerasenes] two demon-
gan to wait on him. possessed men coming from the
16 When evening came, many who tombs met him. They were so vi o-
were demon-possessed were brought lent that no-one could pass that way.
to him, and he drove out the spirits 29 “What do you want with us, Son
with a word and healed all the sick. of God?” they shouted. “Have you
17 This was to fulfil what was sp o- come here to torture us before the
ken through the prophet Isaiah: “He appointed time?”
took up our infirmities and carried 30 Some distance from them a large
our diseases.” [Isaiah 53:4] herd of pigs was feeding.
18 When Jesus saw the crowd 31 The demons begged Jesus, “If
around him, he gave orders to cross you drive us out, send us into the
to the other side of the lake. herd of pigs.”
19 Then a teacher of the law came 32 He said to them, “Go!” So they
to him and said, “Teacher, I will fo l- came out and went into the pigs, and
low you wherever you go.” the whole herd rushed down the
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M AT T H E W
steep bank into the lake and died in lectors and “sinners” came and ate
the water. with him and his disciples.
33 Those tending the pigs ran off, 11 When the Pharisees saw this,
went into the town and reported all they asked his disciples, “Why does
this, including what had happened your teacher eat with tax collectors
to the demonpossessed men. and `sinners’?”
34 Then the whole town went out to 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It
meet Jesus. And when they saw him, is not the healthy who need a do c-
they pleaded with him to leave their tor, but the sick.
region. 13 But go and learn what this
means: `I desire mercy, not sacr i-
CHAPTER 9 fice.’ [Hosea 6:6] For I have not
1 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed come to call the righteous, but si n-
over and came to his own town. ners.”
2 Some men brought to him a par a- 14 Then John’s disciples came and
lytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus asked him, “How is it that we and
saw their faith, he said to the par a- the Pharisees fast, but your disc i-
lytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are ples do not fast?”
forgiven.” 15 Jesus answered, “How can the
3 At this, some of the teachers of guests of the bridegroom mourn
the law said to thems elves, “This while he is with them? The time will
fellow is blaspheming!” come when the bridegroom will be
4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus taken from them; then they will fast.
said, “Why do you entertain evil 16 “No-one sews a patch of
thoughts in your hearts? unshrunk cloth on an old garment,
5 Which is easier: to say, `Your for the patch will pull away from
sins are forgiven,’ or to say, `Get up the garment, making the tear worse.
and walk’? 17 Neither do men pour new wine
6 But so that you may know that into old wineskins. If they do, the
the Son of Man has authority on skins will burst, the wine will run
earth to forgive sins....” Then he out and the wineskins will be r u-
said to the paralytic, “Get up, take ined. No, they pour new wine into
your mat and go home.” new wineskins, and both are pr e-
7 And the man got up and went served.”
home. 18 While he was saying this, a ruler
8 When the crowd saw this, they came and knelt before him and said,
were filled with awe; and they “My daughter has just died. But
praised God, who had given such come and put your hand on her, and
authority to men. she will live.”
9 As Jesus went on from there, he 19 Jesus got up and went with him,
saw a man named Matthew sitting at and so did his disciples.
the tax collector ’s booth. “Follow 20 Just then a woman who had been
me,” he told him, and Matthew got subject to bleeding for twelve years
up and followed him. came up behind him and touched the
10 While Jesus was having dinner edge of his cloak.
at Matthew’s house, many tax co l- 21 She said to herself, “If I only
11
M AT T H E W
touch his cloak, I will be healed.” 35 Jesus went through all the towns
22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take and villages, teaching in their syna-
heart, daughter,” he said, “your gogues, preaching the good news of
faith has healed yo u.” And the the kingdom and healing every di s-
woman was healed from that m o- ease and sickness.
ment. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had
23 When Jesus entered the ruler ’s compassion on them, because they
house and saw the flute players and were harassed and helpless, like
the noisy crowd, sheep without a shepherd.
24 he said, “Go away. The girl is 37 Then he said to his disciples,
not dead but asleep.” But they “The harvest is plentiful but the
laughed at him. workers are few.
25 After the crowd had been put 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest,
outside, he went in and took the girl therefore, to send out workers into
by the hand, and she got up. his harvest field.”
26 News of this spread through all
that region. CHAPTER 10
27 As Jesus went on from there, 1 He called his twelve disciples to
two blind men followed him, calling him and gave them authority to
out, “Have mercy on us, Son of D a- drive out evil [Greek: uncl ean] spir-
vid!” its and to heal every disease and
28 When he had gone indoors, the sickness.
blind men came to him, and he 2 These are the names of the twelve
asked them, “Do you believe that I apostles: first, Simon (who is called
am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter) and his brother Andrew;
they replied. James son of Zebedee, and his
29 Then he touched their eyes and brother John;
said, “According to your faith will 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas
it be done to you”; and Matthew the tax collector;
30 and their sight was restored. J e- James son of Alphaeus, and
sus warned them stern ly, “See that Thaddaeus;
no-one knows about this.” 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Isca r-
31 But they went out and spread iot, who betrayed him.
the news about him all over that r e- 5 These twelve Jesus sent out with
gion. the following instructions: “Do not
32 While they were going out, a go among the Gentiles or enter any
man who was demon-possessed and town of the Samaritans.
could not talk was brought to Jesus. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Is-
33 And when the demon was driven rael.
out, the man who had been mute 7 As you go, preach this message:
spoke. The crowd was amazed and `The kingdom of heaven is near.’
said, “Nothing like this has ever 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead,
been seen in Israel.” cleanse those who have leprosy,
34 But the Pharisees said, “It is by [The Greek word was used for var i-
the prince of demons that he drives ous diseases affecting the skin —
out demons.” not necessarily leprosy.] driv e out
12
M AT T H E W
demons. Freely you have received, and have them put to death.
freely give. 22 All men will hate you because
9 Do not take along any gold or of me, but he who stands firm to the
silver or copper in your belts; end will be saved.
10 take no bag for the journey, or 23 When you are persecuted in one
extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for place, flee to another. I tell you the
the worker is worth his keep. truth, you will not finish going
11 “Whatever town or village yo u through the cities of Israel before
enter, search for some worthy pe r- the Son of Man comes.
son there and stay at his house until 24 “A student is not above his
you leave. teacher, nor a servant above his
12 As you enter the home, give it master.
your greeting. 25 It is enough for the student to be
13 If the home is deserving, let like his teacher, and the servant like
your peace rest on it; if it is not, let his master. If the head of the house
your peace return to you. has been called Beelzebub, [Greek:
14 If anyone will not welcome you Beezeboul or Beelzeboul] how much
or listen to your words, shake the more the members of his household!
dust off your feet when you leave 26 “So do not be afraid of them.
that home or town. There is nothing concealed that will
15 I tell you the truth, it will be not be disclosed, or hidden that will
more bearable for Sodom and Go- not be made known.
morrah on the day of judgment than 27 What I tell you in the dark,
for that town. speak in the daylight; what is whi s-
16 I am sending you out like sheep pered in your ear, proclaim from the
among wolves. Therefore be as roofs.
shrewd as snakes and as innocent as 28 Do not be afraid of those who
doves. kill the body but cannot kill the
17 “Be on your guard against men; soul. Rather, be afraid of the One
they will hand you over to the local who can destroy both soul and body
councils and flog you in their syn a- in hell.
gogues. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a
18 On my account you will be penny? [Greek: an assarion] Yet not
brought before governors and kings one of them will fall to the ground
as witnesses to them and to the Ge n- apart from the will of your Father.
tiles. 30 And even the very hairs of your
19 But when they arrest you, do not head are all numbered.
worry about what to say or how to 31 So don’t be afraid; you are
say it. At that time you will be gi v- worth more than many sparrows.
en what to say, 32 “Whoever acknowledges me b e-
20 for it will not be you speaking, fore men, I will also acknowledge
but the Spirit of your Father spea k- him before my Father in heaven.
ing through you. 33 But whoever disowns me before
21 “Brother will betray brother to men, I will disown him before my
death, and a father his child; chi l- Father in heaven.
dren will rebel against their parents 34 “Do not suppose that I have
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M AT T H E W
come to bring peace to the earth. I was to come, or should we expect
did not come to bring peace, but a someone else?”
sword. 4 Jesus replied, “Go back and r e-
35 For I have come to turn “`a man port to John what you hear and see:
against his father, a daughter 5 The blind receive sight, the lame
against her mother, a daughter-in- walk, those who have leprosy [The
law against her mother-inlaw — Greek word was used for various
36 a man’s enemies will be the diseases affecting the skin — not
members of his own household.’ necessarily leprosy.] are cured, the
[Micah 7:6] deaf hear, the dead are raised, and
37 “Anyone who loves his father or the good news is preached to the
mother more than me is not worthy poor.
of me; anyone who loves his son or 6 Blessed is the man who does not
daughter more than me is not worthy fall away on account of me.”
of me; 7 As John’s disciples were leaving,
38 and anyone who does not take Jesus began to speak to the crowd
his cross and follow me is not wo r- about John: “What did you go out
thy of me. into the desert to see? A reed
39 Whoever finds his life will lose swayed by the wind?
it, and whoever loses his life for my 8 If not, what did you go out to
sake will find it. see? A man dressed in fine clothes?
40 “He who receives you receives No, those who wear fine clothes are
me, and he who receives me r e- in kings’ palaces.
ceives the one who sent me. 9 Then what did you go out to see?
41 Anyone who receives a prophet A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more
because he is a prophet will rec eive than a prophet.
a prophet’s reward, and anyone who 10 This is the one about whom it is
receives a righteous man because he written: “`I will send my messenger
is a righteous man will receive a ahead of you, who will prepare your
righteous man’s reward. way before you.’ [Mal. 3:1]
42 And if anyone gives even a cup 11 I tell you the truth: Among those
of cold water to one of these little born of women there has not risen
ones because he is my disciple, I anyone greater than John the Ba p-
tell you the truth, he will certainly tist; yet he who is least in the kin g-
not lose his reward.” dom of heaven is greater than he.
12 From the days of John the Bap-
CHAPTER 11 tist until now, the kingdom of hea v-
1 After Jesus had finished instruct- en has been forcefully advancing,
ing his twelve disciples, he went on and forceful men lay hold of it.
from there to teach and preach in 13 For all the Prophets and the Law
the towns of Galilee. [Greek: in prophesied until John.
their towns] 14 And if you are willing to accept
2 When John heard in prison what it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
Christ was doing, he sent his disci- 15 He who has ears, let him hear.
ples 16 “To what can I compare this
3 to ask him, “Are you the one who generation? They are like children
14
M AT T H E W
sitting in the market-places and the Son except the Father, and no -
calling out to others: one knows the Father except the Son
17 “`We played the flute for you, and those to whom the Son chooses
and you did not dance; we sang a to reveal him.
dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 28 “Come to me, all you who are
18 For John came neither eating weary and burdened, and I will give
nor drinking, and they say, `He has you rest.
a demon.’ 29 Take my yoke upon you and
19 The Son of Man came eating and learn from me, for I am gentle and
drinking, and they say, `Here is a humble in heart, and you will find
glutton and a drunkard, a friend of rest for your souls.
tax collectors and “sinners”.’ But 30 For my yoke is easy and my
wisdom is proved right by her a c- burden is light.”
tions.”
20 Then Jesus began to denounce CHAPTER 12
the cities in which most of his mir a- 1 At that time Jesus went through
cles had been perfo rmed, because the cornfields on the Sabbath. His
they did not repent. disciples were hungry and began to
21 “Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to pick some ears of corn and eat them.
you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they
were performed in you had been said to him, “Look! Your disciples
performed in Tyre and Sidon, they are doing what is unlawful on the
would have repented long ago in Sabbath.”
sackcloth and ashes. 3 He answered, “Haven’t you read
22 But I tell you, it will be mo re what David did when he and his
bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the companions were hungry?
day of judgment than for you. 4 He entered the house of God, and
23 And you, Capernaum, will you he and his companions ate the co n-
be lifted up to the skies? No, you secrated bread — which was not
will go down to the depths. [Greek: lawful for them to do, but only for
Hades] If the miracles that were the priests.
performed in you had been pe r- 5 Or haven’t you read in the Law
formed in Sodom, it would have re- that on the Sabbath the priests in the
mained to this day. temple desecrate the day and yet are
24 But I tell you that it will be innocent?
more bearable for Sodom on the day 6 I tell you that one [Or something;
of judgment than for you.” also in verses 41 and 42] greater
25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise than the temple is here.
you, Father, Lord of heaven and 7 If you had known what these
earth, because you have hidden th e- words mean, `I desire mercy, not
se things from the wise and learned, sacrifice,’ [Hosea 6:6] you would
and revealed them to little children. not have condemned the innocent.
26 Yes, Father, for this was your 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the
good pleasure. Sabbath.”
27 “All things have been committed 9 Going on from that place, he
to me by my Father. No -one knows went into their synagogue,
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M AT T H E W
10 and a man with a shrivelled David?”
hand was there. Looking for a rea- 24 But when the Pharisees heard
son to accuse Jesus, they asked him, this, they said, “It is only by Bee l-
“Is it lawful to heal on the Sa b- zebub, [Greek: Beezeboul or
bath?” Beelzeboul; also in verse 27] the
11 He said to them, “If any of you prince of demons, that this fellow
has a sheep and it falls into a pit on drives out demons.”
the Sabbath, will you not take hold 25 Jesus knew their thoughts and
of it and lift it out? said to them, “Every kingdom d ivid-
12 How much more valuable is a ed against itself will be ruined, and
man than a sheep! Therefore it is every city or household divided
lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” against itself will not stand.
13 Then he said to the man, 26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is
“Stretch out your hand.” So he divided against himself. How then
stretched it out and it was complet e- can his kingdom stand?
ly restored, just as sound as the ot h- 27 And if I drive out demons by
er. Beelzebub, by whom do your people
14 But the Pharisees went out and drive them out? So then, they will
plotted how they might kill Jesus. be your judges.
15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew 28 But if I drive out demons by the
from that place. Many followed him, Spirit of God, then the kingdom of
and he healed all their sick, God has come upon you.
16 warning them not to tell who he 29 “Or again, how can anyone enter
was. a strong man’s house and carry off
17 This was to fulfil what was sp o- his possessions unless he first ties
ken through the prophet Isaiah: up the strong man? Then he can rob
18 “Here is my servant whom I his house.
have chosen, the one I love, in 30 “He who is not with me is
whom I delight; I will put my Spirit against me, and he who does not
on him, and he will proclaim justice gather with me scatters.
to the nations. 31 And so I tell you, every sin and
19 He will not quarrel or cry out; blasphemy will be forgiven men, but
no-one will hear his voice in the the blasphemy against the Spirit
streets. will not be forgiven.
20 A bruised reed he will not break, 32 Anyone who speaks a word
and a smouldering wick he will not against the Son of Man will be fo r-
snuff out, till he leads justice to vi c- given, but anyone who speaks
tory. against the Holy Spirit will not be
21 In his name the nations will put forgiven, either in thi s age or in the
their hope.” [Isaiah 42:1 -4] age to come.
22 Then they brought him a demon - 33 “Make a tree good and its fruit
possessed man who was blind and will be good, or make a tree bad and
mute, and Jesus healed him, so that its fruit will be bad, for a tree is
he could both talk and see. recognised by its fruit.
23 All the people were astonished 34 You brood of vipers, how can
and said, “Could this be the Son of you who are evil say anything good?
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M AT T H E W
For out of the overflow of the heart finds the house unoccupied, swept
the mouth speaks. clean and put in order.
35 The good man brings good 45 Then it goes and takes with it
things out of the good stored up in seven other spirits more wicke d than
him, and the evil man brings evil itself, and they go in and live there.
things out of the evil stored up in And the final condition of that man
him. is worse than the first. That is how
36 But I tell you that men will have it will be with this wicked gener a-
to give account on the day of jud g- tion.”
ment for every careless word they 46 While Jesus was still talking to
have spoken. the crowd, his mother and brothers
37 For by your words you will be stood outside, wanting to speak to
acquitted, and by your words you him.
will be condemned.” 47 Someone told him, “Your mot h-
38 Then some of the Pharisees and er and brothers are standing outside,
teachers of the law said to him, wanting to speak to you.” [Some
“Teacher, we want to see a miracu- manuscripts: do not have verse 47.]
lous sign from you.” 48 He replied to him, “Who is my
39 He answered, “A wicked and mother, and who are my brothers?”
adulterous generation asks for a m i- 49 Pointing to his disciples, he
raculous sign! But none will be gi v- said, “Here are my mother and my
en it except the sign of the prophet brothers.
Jonah. 50 For whoever does the will of my
40 For as Jonah was three days and Father in heaven is my brother and
three nights in the belly of a huge sister and mother.”
fish, so the Son of Man will be three
days and three nights in the heart of CHAPTER 13
the earth. 1 That same day Jesus went out of
41 The men of Nineveh will stand the house and sat by the lake.
up at the judgment with this gener a- 2 Such large crowds gathered round
tion and condemn it; for they r e- him that he got into a boat and sat
pented at the preaching of Jonah, in it, while all the people stood on
and now one [Or something; also in the shore.
verse 42] greater than Jonah is here. 3 Then he told them many things in
42 The Queen of the South will rise parables, saying: “A farmer went
at the judgment with this generation out to sow his seed.
and condemn it; for she came from 4 As he was scattering the seed,
the ends of the earth to listen to some fell along the path, and the
Solomon’s wisdom, and now one birds came and ate it up.
greater than Solomon is here. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where
43 “When an evil [Greek: unclean] it did not have much soil. It sprang
spirit comes out of a man, it g oes up quickly, because the soil was
through arid places seeking rest and shallow.
does not find it. 6 But when the sun came up, the
44 Then it says, `I will return to the plants were scorched, and they
house I left.’ When it arrives, it withered because they had no root.
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M AT T H E W
7 Other seed fell among thorns, about the kingdom and does not u n-
which grew up and choked the derstand it, the evil one comes and
plants. snatches away what was sown in his
8 Still other seed fell on good soil, heart. This is the seed sown along
where it produced a crop — a hun- the path.
dred, sixty or thirty times what was 20 The one who received the seed
sown. that fell on rocky places is the man
9 He who has ears, let him hear.” who hears the word and at once r e-
10 The disciples came to him and ceives it with joy.
asked, “Why do you speak to the 21 But since he has no root, he
people in parables?” lasts only a short time. When tro u-
11 He replied, “The knowledge of ble or persecution comes because of
the secrets of the kingdom of hea v- the word, he quickly falls away.
en has been given to you, but not to 22 The one who received the seed
them. that fell among the thorns is the
12 Whoever has will be given man who hears the word, but the
more, and he will have an abu n- worries of this life and the decei t-
dance. Whoever does not have, even fulness of wealth choke it, making it
what he has will be taken from him. unfruitful.
13 This is why I speak to them in 23 But the one who received the
parables: “Though seeing, they do seed that fell on good soil is the
not see; though hearing, they do not man who hears the word and under-
hear or understand. stands it. He produces a crop, yiel d-
14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy ing a hundred, sixty or thirty times
of Isaiah: “`You will be ever hearing what was sown.”
but never understanding; you will be 24 Jesus told them another parable:
ever seeing but never perceiving. “The kingdom of heaven is like a
15 For this people’s heart has b e- man who sowed good seed in his
come calloused; they hardly hear field.
with their ears, and they have closed 25 But while everyone was sleep-
their eyes. Otherwise they might see ing, his enemy came and sowed
with their eyes, hear with their ears, weeds among the wheat, and went
understand with their hearts and away.
turn, and I would heal them.’ [Isaiah 26 When the wheat sprouted and
6:9,10] formed ears, then the weeds also
16 But blessed are your eyes b e- appeared.
cause they see, and your ears b e- 27 “The owner ’s servants came to
cause they hear. him and said, `Sir, didn’t you sow
17 For I tell you the truth, many good seed in your field? Where then
prophets and righteous men longed did the weeds come from?’
to see what you see but did not see 28 “`An enemy did this,’ he re-
it, and to hear what you hear but did plied. “The servants asked him, `Do
not hear it. you want us to go and pull them
18 “Listen then to what the parable up?’
of the sower means: 29 “`No,’ he answered, `because
19 When anyone hears the message while you are pulling the weeds,
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M AT T H E W
you may root up the wheat with the age, and the harvesters are a n-
them. gels.
30 Let both grow together until the 40 “As the weeds are pulled up and
harvest. At that time I will tell the burned in the fire, so it will be at
harvesters: First collect the weeds the end of the age.
and tie them in bundles to be 41 The Son of Man will send out
burned; then gather the wheat and his angels, and they will weed out
bring it into my barn.’“ of his kingdom everything that
31 He told them another parable: causes sin and all who do evil.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a 42 They will throw them into the
mustard seed, which a man took a nd fiery furnace, where there will be
planted in his field. weeping and gnashing of teeth.
32 Though it is the smallest of all 43 Then the righteous will shine
your seeds, yet when it grows, it is like the sun in the kingdom of their
the largest of garden plants and b e- Father. He who has ears, let him
comes a tree, so that the birds of the hear.
air come and perch in its branches.” 44 “The kingdom of heaven is like
33 He told them still another para- treasure hidden in a field. When a
ble: “The kingdom of heaven is like man found it, he hid it again, and
yeast that a woman took and mixed then in his joy went and sold all he
into a large amount [Greek: three had and bought that field.
satas (probably about 3/5 bushel or 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven
22 litres)] of flour until it worked is like a merchant looking for fine
all through the dough.” pearls.
34 Jesus spoke all these things to 46 When he found one of great val-
the crowd in parables; he did n ot ue, he went away and sold ever y-
say anything to them without using thing he had and bought it.
a parable. 47 “Once again, the kingdom of
35 So was fulfilled what was spo- heaven is like a net that was let
ken through the prophet: “I will down into the lake and caught all
open my mouth in parables, I will kinds of fish.
utter things hidden since the cre a- 48 When it was full, the fishermen
tion of the world.” [Psalm 78:2] pulled it up on the shore. Then they
36 Then he left the crowd and went sat down and collected the good fish
into the house. His disciples came in baskets, but threw the bad away.
to him and said, “Explain to us the 49 This is how it will be at the end
parable of the weeds in the field.” of the age. The angels will come and
37 He answered, “The one who separate the wicked from the right-
sowed the good seed is the Son of eous
Man. 50 and throw them into the fiery
38 The field is the world, and the furnace, where there will be wee p-
good seed stands for the sons of the ing and gnashing of teeth.
kingdom. The weeds are the sons of 51 “Have you understood all these
the evil one, things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they
39 and the enemy who sows them is replied.
the devil. The harvest is the end of 52 He said to them, “Therefore
19
M AT T H E W
every teacher of the law who has 6 On Herod’s birthday the daughter
been instructed about the kingdom of Herodias danced for them and
of heaven is like the owner of a pleased Herod so much
house who brings out of his stor e- 7 that he promised with an oath to
room new treasures as well as old.” give her whatever she asked.
53 When Jesus had finished these 8 Prompted by her mother, she
parables, he moved on from there. said, “Give me here on a platter the
54 Coming to his home town, he head of John the Baptist.”
began teaching the people in their 9 The king was distressed, but b e-
synagogue, and they were amazed. cause of his oaths and his dinner
“Where did this man get this wi s- guests, he ordered that her request
dom and these miraculous powers?” be granted
they asked. 10 and had John beheaded in the
55 “Isn’t this the carpenter ’s son? prison.
Isn’t his mother ’s name Mary, and 11 His head was brought in on a
aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, platter and given to the girl, who
Simon and Judas? carried it to her mother.
56 Aren’t all his sisters with us? 12 John’s disciples came and took
Where then did this man get all th e- his body and buried it. Then they
se things?” went and told Jesus.
57 And they took offence at him. 13 When Jesus heard what had ha p-
But Jesus said to them, “Only in his pened, he withdrew by boat privat e-
home town and in his own house is ly to a solitary place. Hearing of
a prophet without honour.” this, the crowds followed him on
58 And he did not do many mir a- foot from the towns.
cles there because of their lack of 14 When Jesus landed and saw a
faith. large crowd, he had compassion on
them and healed their sick.
CHAPTER 14 15 As evening approached, the di s-
1 At that time Herod the tetrarch ciples came to him and said, “This
heard the reports about Jesus, is a remote place, and it’s already
2 and he said to his attendants, getting late. Send the crowds away,
“This is John the Baptist; he has so that they can go t o the villages
risen from the dead! That is why m i- and buy themselves some food.”
raculous powers are at work in 16 Jesus replied, “They do not need
him.” to go away. You give them som e-
3 Now Herod had arrested John and thing to eat.”
bound him and put him in prison b e- 17 “We have here only five loaves
cause of Herodias, his brother Phi l- of bread and two fish,” they a n-
ip’s wife, swered.
4 for John had been saying to him: 18 “Bring them here to me,” he
“It is not lawful for you to have said.
her.” 19 And he directed the people to sit
5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he down on the grass. Taking the five
was afraid of the people, because loaves and the two fish and looking
they considered him a prophet. up to heaven, he gave thanks and
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M AT T H E W
broke the loaves. Then he gave them 32 And when they climbed into t he
to the disciples, and the disciples boat, the wind died down.
gave them to the people. 33 Then those who were in the boat
20 They all ate and were satisfi ed, worshipped him, saying, “Truly you
and the disciples picked up twelve are the Son of God.”
basketfuls of broken pieces that 34 When they had crossed over,
were left over. they landed at Gennesaret.
21 The number of those who ate 35 And when the men of that place
was about five thousand men, b e- recognised Jesus, they sent word to
sides women and children. all the surrounding country. People
22 Immediately Jesus made the di s- brought all their sick to him
ciples get into the boat and go on 36 and begged him to let the sick
ahead of him to the other side, while just touch the edge of his cloak, and
he dismissed the crowd. all who touched him were healed.
23 After he had dismissed them, he
went up on a mountainside by hi m- CHAPTER 15
self to pray. When evening came, he 1 Then some Pharisees and teachers
was there alone, of the law came to Jesus from Jer u-
24 but the boat was already a co n- salem and asked,
siderable distance [Greek: many 2 “Why do your disciples break the
stadia] from land, buffeted by the tradition of the elders? They don’t
waves because the wind was against wash their hands before they eat!”
it. 3 Jesus replied, “And why do you
25 During the fourth watch of the break the command of God for the
night Jesus went out to them, wal k- sake of your tradition?
ing on the lake. 4 For God said, `Honour your f a-
26 When the disciples saw him ther and mother ’ [Exodus 20:12;
walking on the lake, they were terri- Deut. 5:16] and `Anyone who curses
fied. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and his father or mother must be put to
cried out in fear. death.’ [Exodus 21:17; Lev. 20:9]
27 But Jesus immediately said to 5 But you say that if a man says to
them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t his father or mother, `Whatever help
be afraid.” you might otherwise have received
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter r e- from me is a gift devoted to God,’
plied, “tell me to come to you on 6 he is not to `honour his father ’
the water.” [Some manuscripts: father or his
29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got mother] with it. Thus you nullify the
down out of the boat, walked on the word of God for the sake of your
water and came towards Jesus. tradition.
30 But when he saw the wind, he 7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right
was afraid and, beginning to sink, when he prophesied about you:
cried out, “Lord, save me!” 8 “`These people honour me with
31 Immediately Jesus reached out their lips, but their hearts are far
his hand and caught him. “You of from me.
little faith,” he said, “why did you 9 They worship me in vain; their
doubt?” teachings are but rules taught by
21
M AT T H E W
men.’“ [Isaiah 29:13] him, “Send her away, for she kee ps
10 Jesus called the crowd to him crying out after us.”
and said, “Listen and understand. 24 He answered, “I was sent only
11 What goes into a man’s mouth to the lost sheep of Israel.”
does not make him `unclean’, but 25 The woman came and knelt b e-
what comes out of his mouth, that is fore him. “Lord, help me!” she said.
what makes him `unclean’.” 26 He replied, “It is not right to
12 Then the disciples came to him take the children’s bread and toss it
and asked, “Do you know that the to their dogs.”
Pharisees were offended when they 27 “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even
heard this?” the dogs eat the crumbs that fall
13 He replied, “Every plant that my from their masters’ table.”
heavenly Father has not planted will 28 Then Jesus answered, “Woman,
be pulled up by the roots. you have great faith! Your request is
14 Leave them; they are blind granted.” And her daughter was
guides. [Some manuscripts: guides healed from that very hour.
of the blind] If a blind man leads a 29 Jesus left there and went along
blind man, both will fall into a pit.” the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up
15 Peter said, “Explain the parable on a mountainside and sat down.
to us.” 30 Great crowds came to him,
16 “Are you still so dull?” Jesus bringing the lame, the blind, the
asked them. crippled, the mute and many others,
17 “Don’t you see that whatever and laid them at his feet; and he
enters the mouth goes into the sto m- healed them.
ach and then out of the body? 31 The people were amazed when
18 But the things that come out of they saw the mute speaking, the
the mouth come from the heart, and crippled made well, the lame wal k-
these make a man `unclean’. ing and the blind seeing. And they
19 For out of the heart come evil praised the God of Israel.
thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual 32 Jesus called his disciples to him
immorality, theft, false testimony, and said, “I have compassion for
slander. these people; they have already been
20 These are what make a man `u n- with me three daysand have not hing
clean’; but eating with unwashed to eat. I do not want to send them
hands does not make him `u n- away hungry, or they may collapse
clean’.” on the way.”
21 Leaving that place, Jesus wit h- 33 His disciples answered, “Where
drew to the region of Tyre and S i- could we get enough bread in this
don. remote place to feed such a crowd?”
22 A Canaanite woman from that 34 “How many loaves do you
vicinity came to him, crying out, have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they
“Lord, Son of David, have mercy on replied, “and a few small fish.”
me! My daughter is suffering terr i- 35 He told the crowd to sit down on
bly from demon-possession.” the ground.
23 Jesus did not answer a word. So 36 Then he took the seven loaves
his disciples came to him and urged and the fish, and when he had given
22
M AT T H E W
thanks, he broke them and gave having no bread?
them to the disciples, and they in 9 Do you still not understand?
turn to the people. Don’t you remember the five loaves
37 They all ate and were satisfied. for the five thousand, and how many
Afterwards the disciples picked up basketfuls you gathered?
seven basketfuls of broken pieces 10 Or the seven loaves for the four
that were left over. thousand, and how many basketfuls
38 The number of those who ate you gathered?
was four thousand, besides women 11 How is it you don’t understand
and children. that I was not talking to you about
39 After Jesus had sent the crowd bread? But be on your guard against
away, he got into the boat and went the yeast of the Pharisees and Sa d-
to the vicinity of Magadan. ducees.”
12 Then they understood that he
CHAPTER 16 was not telling them to guard
1 The Pharisees and Sadducees against the yeast used in bread, but
came to Jesus and tested him by against the teaching of the Pharisees
asking him to show them a sign and Sadducees.
from heaven. 13 When Jesus came to the region
2 He replied, [Some early manu- of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his
scripts do not have the rest of verse disciples, “Who do people say the
2 and all of verse 3.] “When even- Son of Man is?”
ing comes, you say, `It will be fair 14 They replied, “Some say John
weather, for the sky is red,’ the Baptist; others say Elijah; and
3 and in the morning, `Today it will still others, Jeremiah or one of the
be stormy, for the sky is red and prophets.”
overcast.’ You know how to inte r- 15 “But what about you?” he asked.
pret the appearance of the sky, but “Who do you say I am?”
you cannot interpret the signs of the 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are
times. the Christ, [Or Messiah; also in
4 A wicked and adulterous gener a- verse 20] the Son of the living
tion looks for a miraculous sign, but God.”
none will be given it except the sign 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you,
of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and Simon son of Jonah, for this was not
went away. revealed to you by man, but by my
5 When they went across the lake, Father in heaven.
the disciples forgot to take bread. 18 And I tell you that you are P e-
6 “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. ter, [Peter means rock.] and on this
“Be on your guard against the yeast rock I will build my church, and the
of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” gates of Hades [Or hell] will not
7 They discussed this among them- overcome it. [Or not prove stronger
selves and said, “It is because we than it]
didn’t bring any bread.” 19 I will give you the keys of the
8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus kingdom of heaven; whatever you
asked, “You of little faith, why are bind on earth will be [Or have been]
you talking among yourselves about bound in heaven, and whatever you
23
M AT T H E W
loose on earth will be [Or have 1 After six days Jesus took with
been] loosed in heaven.” him Peter, James and John the
20 Then he warned his disciples not brother of James, and led them up a
to tell anyone that he was the high mountain by themselves.
Christ. 2 There he was transfigured before
21 From that time on Jesus began them. His face shone like the sun,
to explain to his disciples that he and his clothes became as white as
must go to Jerusalem and suffer the light.
many things at the hands of the e l- 3 Just then there appeared before
ders, chief priests and teachers of them Moses and Elijah, talking wit h
the law, and that he must be killed Jesus.
and on the third day be raised to 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is
life. good for us to be here. If you wish,
22 Peter took him aside and began I will put up three shelters — one
to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he for you, one for Moses and one for
said. “This shall never happen to Elijah.”
you!” 5 While he was still speaking, a
23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, bright cloud enveloped them, and a
“Get behind me, Satan! You are a voice from the cloud said , “This is
stumbling-block to me; you do not my Son, whom I love; with him I am
have in mind the things of God, but well pleased. Listen to him!”
the things of men.” 6 When the disciples heard this,
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, they fell face down to the ground,
“If anyone would come after me, he terrified.
must deny himself and take up his 7 But Jesus came and touched
cross and follow me. them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be
25 For whoever wants to save his afraid.”
life [The Greek word means either 8 When they looked up, th ey saw
life or soul; also in verse 26.] will no-one except Jesus.
lose it, but whoever loses his life 9 As they were coming down the
for me will find it. mountain, Jesus instructed them,
26 What good will it be for a man “Don’t tell anyone what you have
if he gains the whole world, yet fo r- seen, until the Son of Man has been
feits his soul? Or what can a man raised from the dead.”
give in exchange for his soul? 10 The disciples asked him, “Why
27 For the Son of Man is going to then do the teachers of the law say
come in his Father ’s glory with his that Elijah must come first?”
angels, and then he will reward each 11 Jesus replied, “To be sure, El i-
person according to what he has jah comes and will restore all
done. things.
28 I tell you the truth, some who 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already
are standing here will not taste come, and they did not recognise
death before they see the Son of him, but have done to him ever y-
Man coming in his kingdom.” thing they wished. In the same way
the Son of Man is going to suffer at
CHAPTER 17 their hands.”
24
M AT T H E W
13 Then the disciples understood two drachmas]
that he was talking to them about 25 “Yes, he does,” he replied.
John the Baptist. When Peter came into the house, Je-
14 When they came to the crowd, a sus was the first to speak. “What do
man approached Jesus and knelt b e- you think, Simon?” heasked. “From
fore him. whom do the kings of the earth co l-
15 “Lord, have mercy on my son,” lect duty and taxes — from their
he said. “He has seizur es and is suf- own sons or from others?”
fering greatly. He often falls into 26 “From others,” Peter answered.
the fire or into the water. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus
16 I brought him to your disciples, said to him.
but they could not heal him.” 27 “But so that we may not offend
17 “O unbelieving and perverse them, go to the lake and throw out
generation,” Jesus replied, “how your line. Take the first fish you
long shall I stay with you? How catch; open its mouth and you will
long shall I put up with you? Bring find a four-drachma coin. Take it
the boy here to me.” and give it to them for my tax and
18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it yours.”
came out of the boy, and he was
healed from that moment. CHAPTER 18
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus 1 At that time the disciples came to
in private and asked, “Why couldn’t Jesus and asked, “Who is the grea t-
we drive it out?” est in the kingdom of heaven?”
20 He replied, “Because you h ave 2 He called a little child and had
so little faith. I tell you the truth, if him stand among them.
you have faith as small as a mustard 3 And he said: “I tell you the truth,
seed, you can say to this mountain, unless you change and become like
`Move from here to there’ and it little children, you will never enter
will move. Nothing will be imposs i- the kingdom of heaven.
ble for you.” 4 Therefore, whoever humbles hi m-
21 [Some manuscripts: you. 21 But self like this child is the greatest in
this kind does not go out except by the kingdom of heaven.
prayer and fasting.] 5 “And whoever welcomes a little
22 When they came together in child like this in my name welcomes
Galilee, he said to them, “The Son me.
of Man is going to be betrayed into 6 But if anyone causes one of these
the hands of men. little ones who believe in me to s in,
23 They will kill him, and on the it would be better for him to have a
third day he will be raised to life.” large millstone hung around his
And the disciples were fill ed with neck and to be drowned in the
grief. depths of the sea.
24 After Jesus and his disciples a r- 7 “Woe to the world because of the
rived in Capernaum, the collectors things that cause people to sin! Such
of the two-drachma tax came to P e- things must come, but woe to the
ter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher man through whom they come!
pay the temple tax?” [Greek: the 8 If your hand or your foot causes
25
M AT T H E W
you to sin, cut it off and throw it collector.
away. It is better for you to enter 18 “I tell you the truth, whatever
life maimed or crippled than to have you bind on earth will be [Or have
two hands or two feet and be thrown been] bound in heaven, and whate v-
into eternal fire. er you loose on earth will be [Or
9 And if your eye causes you to sin, have been] loosed in heaven.
gouge it out and throw it away. It is 19 “Again, I tell you that if two of
better for you to enter life with one you on earth agree about anything
eye than to have two eyes and be you ask for, it will be done for you
thrown into the fire of hell. by my Father in heaven.
10 “See that you do not look down 20 For where two or three come t o-
on one of these little ones. For I tell gether in my name, there am I with
you that their angels in heaven a l- them.”
ways see the face of my Fa ther in 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and
heaven. asked, “Lord, how many times shall
11 [Some manuscripts: heaven. 11 I forgive my brother when he sins
The Son of Man came to save what against me? Up to seven times?”
was lost.] 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not
12 “What do you think? If a man seven times, but seventyseven
owns a hundred sheep, and one of times. [Or seventy times seven]
them wanders away, will he not 23 “Therefore, the kingdom of
leave the ninety-nine on the hills heaven is like a king who wanted to
and go to look for the one that wan- settle accounts with his servants.
dered off? 24 As he began the settlement, a
13 And if he finds it, I tell you the man who owed him ten thous and
truth, he is happier about that one talents [That is, millions of pounds]
sheep than about the ninety-nine was brought to him.
that did not wander off. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the
14 In the same way your Father in master ordered that he and his wife
heaven is not willing that any of and his children and all that he had
these little ones should be lost. be sold to repay the debt.
15 “If your brother sins against 26 “The servant fell on his knees
you, [Some manuscripts: do not before him. `Be patient with me,’ he
have against you.] go and show him begged, `and I will pay back ever y-
his fault, just between the two of thing.’
you. If he listens to you, you have 27 The servant’s master took pity
won your brother over. on him, cancelled the debt and let
16 But if he will not listen, take him go.
one or two others along, so th at 28 “But when that servant went
`every matter may be established by out, he found one of his
the testimony of two or three wit- fellowservants who owed him a
nesses.’ [Deut. 19:15] hundred denarii. [That is, a few
17 If he refuses to listen to them, pounds] He grabbed him and began
tell it to the church; and if he refu s- to choke him. `Pay back what you
es to listen even to the church, treat owe me!’ he demanded.
him as you would a pagan or a tax 29 “His fellow-servant fell to his
26
M AT T H E W
knees and begged him, `Be patient one. Therefore what God has joined
with me, and I will pay you back.’ together, let man not separate.”
30 “But he refused. Instead, he 7 “Why then,” they asked, “did
went off and had the man thrown Moses command that a man give his
into prison until he could pay the wife a certificate of divorce and
debt. send her away?”
31 When the other servants saw 8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted
what had happened, they were grea t- you to divorce your wives because
ly distressed and went and told their your hearts were hard. But it was
master everything that had hap- not this way from the beginning.
pened. 9 I tell you that anyone who di-
32 “Then the master called the vorces his wife, except for marital
servant in. `You wicked servant,’ he unfaithfulness, and marries another
said, `I cancelled all that debt of woman commits adultery.”
yours because you begged me to. 10 The disciples said to him, “If
33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy this is the situation between a hu s-
on your fellow-servant just as I had band and wife, it is better not to
on you?’ marry.”
34 In anger his master turned him 11 Jesus replied, “Not everyone can
over to the jailers to be tortured, u n- accept this word, but only those to
til he should pay back all he owed. whom it has been given.
35 “This is how my heavenly F a- 12 For some are eunuchs because
ther will treat each of you unless they were born that way; others
you forgive your brother from your were made that way by men; and
heart.” others have renounced marriage [Or
have made themselves eunuchs ] be-
CHAPTER 19 cause of the kingdom of heaven.
1 When Jesus had finished saying The one who can accept this should
these things, he left Galilee and accept it.”
went into the region of Judea to the 13 Then little children were
other side of the Jordan. brought to Jesus for him to place his
2 Large crowds followed him, and hands on them and pray for them.
he healed them there. But the disciples rebuked those who
3 Some Pharisees came to him to brought them.
test him. They asked, “Is it lawful 14 Jesus said, “Let the little chil-
for a man to divorce his wife for dren come to me, and do not hinder
any and every reason?” them, for the kingdom of heaven b e-
4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, longs to such as these.”
“that at the beginning the Creator 15 When he had placed his hands
`made them male and female’, [Gen. on them, he went on from there.
1:27] 16 Now a man came up to Jesus
5 and said, `For this reason a man and asked, “Teacher, what good
will leave his father and mother and thing must I do to get eternal life?”
be united to his wife, and the two 17 “Why do you ask me about what
will become one flesh’? [Gen. 2:24] is good?” Jesus replied. “There is
6 So they are no longer two, but only One who is good. If you want
27
M AT T H E W
to enter life, obey the comman d- houses or brothers or sisters or fa-
ments.” ther or mother [Some manuscripts:
18 “Which ones?” the man e n- mother or wife] or children or fields
quired. Jesus replied, “`Do not mu r- for my sake will receive a hundred
der, do not commit adultery, do no t times as much and will inherit ete r-
steal, do not give false testimony, nal life.
19 honour your father and mother,’ 30 But many who are first will be
[Exodus 20:12-16; Deut. 5:16-20] last, and many who are last will be
and `love your neighbour as you r- first.
self.’“ [Lev. 19:18]
20 “All these I have kept,” the CHAPTER 20
young man said. “What do I still 1 “For the kingdom of heaven is
lack?” like a landowner who went out early
21 Jesus answered, “If you want to in the morning to hire men to work
be perfect, go, sell your possessions in his vineyard.
and give to the poor, and you will 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius
have treasure in heaven. Then come, for the day and sent them into his
follow me.” vineyard.
22 When the young man heard this, 3 “About the third hour he went out
he went away sad, because he had and saw others standing in the ma r-
great wealth. ket-place doing nothing.
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, 4 He told them, `You also go and
“I tell you the truth, it is hard for a work in my vineyard, and I will pay
rich man to enter the kingdom of you whatever is right.’
heaven. 5 So they went. “He went out again
24 Again I tell you, it is easier for about the sixth hour and the ninth
a camel to go through the eye of a hour and did the same thing.
needle than for a rich man to enter 6 About the eleventh hour he went
the kingdom of God.” out and found still others standing
25 When the disciples heard this, around. He asked them, `Why have
they were greatly astonished and you been standing here all day long
asked, “Who then can be saved?” doing nothing?’
26 Jesus looked at them and said, 7 “`Because no-one has hired us,’
“With man this is impossible, but they answered. “He said to them,
with God all things are possible.” `You also go and work in my vin e-
27 Peter answered him, “We have yard.’
left everything to follow you! What 8 “When evening came, the owner
then will there be for us?” of the vineyard said to his foreman,
28 Jesus said to them, “I tell you `Call the workers and pay them their
the truth, at the renewal of all wages, beginning with the last ones
things, when the Son of Man sits on hired and going on to the first.’
his glorious throne, you who have 9 “The workers who were hired
followed me will also sit on twelve about the eleventh hour came and
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of each received a denarius.
Israel. 10 So when those came who were
29 And everyone who has left hired first, they expected to receive
28
M AT T H E W
more. But each one of them also r e- you drink the cup I am going to
ceived a denarius. drink?” “We can,” they answered.
11 When they received it, they b e- 23 Jesus said to them, “You will
gan to grumble against the lan down- indeed drink from my cup, but to sit
er. at my right or left is not for me to
12 `These men who were hired last grant. These places belong to those
worked only one hour,’ they said, for whom they have been prepared
`and you have made them equal to by my Father.”
us who have borne the burden of the 24 When the ten heard about this,
work and the heat of the day.’ they were indignant with the two
13 “But he answered one of them, brothers.
`Friend, I am not being unfair to 25 Jesus called them together and
you. Didn’t you agree to work for a said, “You know that the rulers of
denarius? the Gentiles lord it over them, and
14 Take your pay and go. I want to their high officials exercise author i-
give the man who was hired last the ty over them.
same as I gave you. 26 Not so with you. Instead, wh o-
15 Don’t I have the right to do ever wants to become great among
what I want with my own money? you must be your servant,
Or are you envious because I am 27 and whoever wants to be first
generous?’ must be your slave —
16 “So the last will be first, and the 28 just as the Son of Man did not
first will be last.” come to be served, but to serve, and
17 Now as Jesus was going up to to give his life as a ransom for
Jerusalem, he took the twelve disci- many.”
ples aside and said to them, 29 As Jesus and his disciples were
18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, leaving Jericho, a large crowd fo l-
and the Son of Man will be betrayed lowed him.
to the chief priests and the teachers 30 Two blind men were sitting by
of the law. They will condemn him the roadside, and when they heard
to death that Jesus was going by, they shou t-
19 and will turn him over to the ed, “Lord, Son of David, have me r-
Gentiles to be mocked and flogged cy on us!”
and crucified. On the third day he 31 The crowd rebuked them and
will be raised to life!” told them to be quiet, but they
20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of
sons came to Jesus with her sons David, have mercy on us! ”
and, kneeling down, asked a favour 32 Jesus stopped and called them.
of him. “What do you want me to do for
21 “What is it you want?” he asked. you?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these 33 “Lord,” they answered, “we
two sons of mine may sit at your want our sight.”
right and the other at your left in 34 Jesus had compassion on them
your kingdom.” and touched their eyes. Immediately
22 “You don’t know what you are they received their sight and fo l-
asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can lowed him.
29
M AT T H E W
Galilee.”
CHAPTER 21 12 Jesus entered the temple area
1 As they approached Jerusalem and drove out all who were buying
and came to Bethphage on the and selling there. He overturned the
Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two di s- tables of the money-changers and
ciples, the benches of those selling doves.
2 saying to them, “Go to the village 13 “It is written,” he said to them,
ahead of you, and at once you will “`My house will be called a house
find a donkey tied there, with her of prayer,’ [Isaiah 56:7] but you are
colt by her. Untie them and bring making it a `den of robbers’.” [Jer.
them to me. 7:11]
3 If anyone says anything to you, 14 The blind and the lame came to
tell him that the Lord needs them, him at the temple, and he healed
and he will send them right away.” them.
4 This took place to fulfil what was 15 But when the chief priests and
spoken through the prophet: the teachers of the law saw the
5 “Say to the Daughter of Zion, wonderful things he did and the
`See, your king comes to you, gentle children shouting in the temple area,
and riding on a donkey, on a colt, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they
the foal of a donkey.’“ [Zech. 9:9] were indignant.
6 The disciples went and did as J e- 16 “Do you hear what these chi l-
sus had instructed them. dren are saying?” they asked h im.
7 They brought the donkey and the “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you ne v-
colt, placed their cloaks on them, er read, “`From the lips of children
and Jesus sat on them. and infants you have ordained
8 A very large crowd spread their praise’?” [Psalm 8:2]
cloaks on the road, while others cut 17 And he left them and went out
branches from the trees and spread of the city to Bethany, where he
them on the road. spent the night.
9 The crowds that went ahead of 18 Early in the morning, as he was
him and those that followed shou t- on his way back to the city, he was
ed, “Hosanna [A Hebrew expression hungry.
meaning “Save!” which became an 19 Seeing a fig-tree by the road, he
exclamation of praise; also in verse went up to it but found nothing on it
15] to the Son of David!” “Blessed except leaves. Then he said to it,
is he who comes in the name of the “May you never bear fruit again!”
Lord!” [Psalm 118:26] “Hosanna [A Immediately the tree withered.
Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” 20 When the disciples saw this,
which became an exclamation of they were amazed. “How did the
praise; also in verse 15] in the hig h- fig-tree wither so quickly?” they
est!” asked.
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, 21 Jesus replied, “I tell you the
the whole city was stirred and truth, if you have faith and do not
asked, “Who is this?” doubt, not only can you do what was
11 The crowds answered, “This is done to the fig-tree, but also you
Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in can say to this mountain, `Go, throw
30
M AT T H E W
yourself into the sea,’ and it will be you did not believe him, but the tax
done. collectors and the prostitut es did.
22 If you believe, you will receive And even after you saw this, you
whatever you ask for in prayer.” did not repent and believe him.
23 Jesus entered the temple courts, 33 “Listen to another parable:
and, while he was teaching, the There was a landowner who planted
chief priests and the elders of the a vineyard. He put a wall around it,
people came to him. “By what au- dug a winepress in it and built a
thority are you doing these things?” watchtower. Then he rented the
they asked. “And who gave you this vineyard to some farmers and went
authority?” away on a journey.
24 Jesus replied, “I will also ask 34 When the harvest time ap-
you one question. If you answer me, proached, he sent his servants to the
I will tell you by what authority I tenants to collect his fruit.
am doing these things. 35 “The tenants seized his servants;
25 John’s baptism — where did it they beat one, killed another, and
come from? Was it from heaven , or stoned a third.
from men?” They discussed it 36 Then he sent other servants t o
among themselves and said, “If we them, more than the first time, and
say, `From heaven’, he will ask, the tenants treated them in the same
`Then why didn’t you believe him?’ way.
26 But if we say, `From men’ — we 37 Last of all, he sent his son to
are afraid of the people, for they all them. `They will respect my son,’ he
hold that John was a prophet.” said.
27 So they answered Jesus, “We 38 “But when the tenants saw the
don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither son, they said to each other, `This is
will I tell you by what authority I the heir. Come, let’s kill him and
am doing these things. take his inheritance.’
28 “What do you think? There was 39 So they took him and threw him
a man who had two sons. He went to out of the vineyard and killed him.
the first and said, `Son, go and work 40 “Therefore, when the owner of
today in the vineyard.’ the vineyard comes, what will he do
29 “`I will not,’ he answered, but to those tenants?”
later he changed his mind and went. 41 “He will bring those wretches to
30 “Then the father went to the a wretched end,” they rep lied, “and
other son and said the same thing. he will rent the vineyard to other
He answered, `I will, sir,’ but he did tenants, who will give him his share
not go. of the crop at harvest time.”
31 “Which of the two did what his 42 Jesus said to them, “Have you
father wanted?” “The first,” they never read in the Scriptures: “`The
answered. Jesus said to them, “I tell stone the builders rejected has b e-
you the truth, the tax collectors and come the capstone;[Or cornerstone]
the prostitutes are entering the the Lord has done this, and it is
kingdom of God ahead of you. marvellous in our eyes’? [Psalm
32 For John came to you to show 118:22,23]
you the way of righteousness, and 43 “Therefore I tell you that the
31
M AT T H E W
kingdom of God will be taken away vite to the banquet anyone you
from you and given to a people who find.’
will produce its fruit. 10 So the servants went out into the
44 He who falls on this stone will streets and gathered all the people
be broken to pieces, but he on whom they could find, both good and bad,
it falls will be crushed.” [Some and the wedding hall was filled with
manuscripts: do not have verse 44.] guests.
45 When the chief priests and the 11 “But when the king came in to
Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, see the guests, he noticed a man
they knew he was talking about there who was not wearing wedding
them. clothes.
46 They looked for a way to arrest 12 `Friend,’ he asked, `how did you
him, but they were afraid of the get in here without wedding
crowd because the people held that clothes?’ The man was speechless.
he was a prophet. 13 “Then the king told the atte nd-
ants, `Tie him hand and foot, and
CHAPTER 22 throw him outside, into the dar k-
1 Jesus spoke to them again in pa r- ness, where there will be weeping
ables, saying: and gnashing of teeth.’
2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a 14 “For many are invited, but few
king who prepared a wedding ban- are chosen.”
quet for his son. 15 Then the Pharisees went out and
3 He sent his servants to those who laid plans to trap him in his words.
had been invited to the banquet to 16 They sent their disciples to him
tell them to come, but they refused along with the Herodians. “Teac h-
to come. er,” they said, “we know you are a
4 “Then he sent some more ser v- man of integrity and that you teach
ants and said, `Tell those who have the way of God in accordance with
been invited that I have prepared my the truth. You aren’t swayed by
dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle men, because you pay no attention
have been slaughtered, and ever y- to who they are.
thing is ready. Com e to the wedding 17 Tell us then, what is your opi n-
banquet.’ ion? Is it right to pay taxes to Ca e-
5 “But they paid no attention and sar or not?”
went off — one to his field, another 18 But Jesus, knowing their evil i n-
to his business. tent, said, “You hypocrites, why are
6 The rest seized his servants, ill - you trying to trap m e?
treated them and killed them. 19 Show me the coin used for pa y-
7 The king was enraged. He sent ing the tax.” They brought him a
his army and destroyed those mu r- denarius,
derers and burned their city. 20 and he asked them, “Whose po r-
8 “Then he said to his servants, trait is this? And whose inscri p-
`The wedding banquet is ready, but tion?”
those I invited did not deserve to 21 “Caesar ’s,” they replied. Then
come. he said to them, “Give to Caesar
9 Go to the street corners and i n- what is Caesar ’s, and to God what is
32
M AT T H E W
God’s.” 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest
22 When they heard this, they were commandment in the Law?”
amazed. So they left him and went 37 Jesus replied: “`Love the Lord
away. your God with all your heart and
23 That same day the Sadducees, with all your soul and with all your
who say there is no resurrection, mind.’ [Deut. 6:5]
came to him with a question. 38 This is the first and greatest
24 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses commandment.
told us that if a man dies without 39 And the second is like it: `Love
having children, his brother must your neighbour as yourself.’ [Lev.
marry the widow and have children 19:18]
for him. 40 All the Law and the Prophets
25 Now there were seven brothers hang on these two commandments.”
among us. The first one married and 41 While the Pharisees were gat h-
died, and since he had no children, ered together, Jesus asked them,
he left his wife to his brother. 42 “What do you think about the
26 The same thing happened to the Christ? [Or Messiah] Whose son is
second and third brother, right on he?” “The son of David,” they r e-
down to the seventh. plied.
27 Finally, the woman died. 43 He said to them, “How is it then
28 Now then, at the resurrection, that David, speaking by the Spirit,
whose wife will she be of the seven, calls him `Lord’? For he says,
since all of them were married to 44 “`The Lord said to my Lord:
her?” “Sit at my right hand until I put
29 Jesus replied, “You are in error your enemies under your feet.”’
because you do not know the Scri p- [Psalm 110:1]
tures or the power of God. 45 If then David calls him `Lord’,
30 At the resurrection people will how can he be his son?”
neither marry nor be given in ma r- 46 No-one could say a word in r e-
riage; they will be like the angels in ply, and from that day on noone
heaven. dared to ask him any more ques-
31 But about the resurrection of the tions.
dead — have you not read what God
said to you, CHAPTER 23
32 `I am the God of Abraham, t he 1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and
God of Isaac, and the God of J a- to his disciples:
cob’? [Exodus 3:6] He is not the 2 “The teachers of the law and the
God of the dead but of the living.” Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.
33 When the crowds heard this, 3 So you must obey them and do
they were astonished at his teac h- everything they tell you. But do not
ing. do what they do, for they do not
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced practise what they preach.
the Sadducees, the Pharisees got t o- 4 They tie up heavy loads and put
gether. them on men’s shoulders, but they
35 One of them, an expert in the themselves are not willing to lift a
law, tested him with this question: finger to move them.
33
M AT T H E W
5 “Everything they do is done for ple, it means nothing; but if anyone
men to see: They make their phyla c- swears by the gold of the temple, he
teries [That is, boxes containing is bound by his oath.’
Scripture verses, worn on forehead 17 You blind fools! Which is grea t-
and arm] wide and the tassels on er: the gold, or the temple that
their garments long; makes the gold sacred?
6 they love the place of honour at 18 You also say, `If anyone swears
banquets and the most important by the altar, it means nothing; but if
seats in the synagogues; anyone swears by the gift on it, he
7 they love to be greeted in the is bound by his oath.’
market-places and to have men call 19 You blind men! Which is grea t-
them `Rabbi’. er: the gift, or the altar that makes
8 “But you are not to be called the gift sacred?
`Rabbi’, for you have only one Ma s- 20 Therefore, he who swears by the
ter and you are all brothers. altar swears by it and by everything
9 And do not call anyone on earth on it.
`father ’, for you have one Father, 21 And he who swears by the te m-
and he is in heaven. ple swears by it and by the one who
10 Nor are you to be called `teac h- dwells in it.
er ’, for you have one Teacher, the 22 And he who swears by heaven
Christ. [Or Messiah] swears by God’s throne and by the
11 The greatest among you will be one who sits on it.
your servant. 23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law
12 For whoever exalts himself will and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You
be humbled, and whoever humbles give a tenth of your spices — mint,
himself will be exalted. dill and cummin. But you have n e-
13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law glected the more important matters
and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You of the law — justice, mercy and
shut the kingdom of heaven in faithfulness. You should have pra c-
men’s faces. You yourselves do n ot tised the latter, without neglecting
enter, nor will you let those enter the former.
who are trying to. Matt 14 [Some 24 You blind guides! You strain out
manuscripts: to. 14 Woe to you, a gnat but swallow a camel.
teachers of the law and Pharisees, 25 “Woe to you, teachers of the law
you hypocrites! You devour widows’ and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You
houses and for a show make lengthy clean the outside of the cup and
prayers. Therefore you will be pu n- dish, but inside they are full of
ished more severely.] greed and self-indulgence.
15 “Woe to you, teachers of the law 26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the
and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You inside of the cup and dish, and then
travel over land and sea to win a the outside also will be clean.
single convert, and when he b e- 27 “Woe to you, teachers of the law
comes one, you make him twice as and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You
much a son of hell as you are. are like whitewashed tombs, which
16 “Woe to you, blind guides! You look beautiful on the outside but on
say, `If anyone swears by the tem- the inside are full of dead men’s
34
M AT T H E W
bones and everything unclean. 39 For I tell you, you will not see
28 In the same way, on t he outside me again until you say, `Blessed is
you appear to people as righteous he who comes in the name of the
but on the inside you are full of h y- Lord.’“ [Psalm 118:26]
pocrisy and wickedness.
29 “Woe to you, teachers of the law CHAPTER 24
and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You 1 Jesus left the temple and was
build tombs for the prophets and walking away when his disciples
decorate the graves of the righteous. came up to him to call his attention
30 And you say, `If we had lived in to its buildings.
the days of our forefathers, we 2 “Do you see all these things?” he
would not have taken part with them asked. “I tell you the truth, not one
in shedding the blood of the prop h- stone here will be left on another;
ets.’ every one will be thrown down.”
31 So you testify against you r- 3 As Jesus was sitting on the Moun t
selves that you are the descendants of Olives, the disciples came to him
of those who murdered the prophets. privately. “Tell us,” they said,
32 Fill up, then, the measure of the “when will this happen, and what
sin of your forefathers! will be the sign of your coming and
33 “You snakes! You brood of vi- of the end of the age?”
pers! How will you escape being 4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that
condemned to hell? no-one deceives you.
34 Therefore I am sending you 5 For many will come in my name,
prophets and wise men and teachers. claiming, `I am the Christ,’ [Or
Some of them you will kill and cr u- Messiah; also in verse 23] and will
cify; others you will flog in your deceive many.
synagogues and pursue from town to 6 You will hear of wars and ru-
town. mours of wars, but see to it that you
35 And so upon you will come all are not alarmed. Such things must
the righteous blood that has been happen, but the end is still to come.
shed on earth, from the blood of 7 Nation will rise against natio n,
righteous Abel to the blood of Zec h- and kingdom against kingdom.
ariah son of Barakiah, whom you There will be famines and eart h-
murdered between the temple and quakes in various places.
the altar. 8 All these are the beginning of
36 I tell you the truth, all this will birth-pains.
come upon this generation. 9 “Then you will be handed over to
37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you be persecuted and put to death, and
who kill the prophets and stone you will be hated by all nations b e-
those sent to you, how often I have cause of me.
longed to gather your children t o- 10 At that time many will turn
gether, as a hen gathers her chicks away from the faith and will betray
under her wings, but you were not and hate each other,
willing. 11 and many false prophets will
38 Look, your house is left to you appear and deceive many people.
desolate. 12 Because of the increase of wic k-
35
M AT T H E W
edness, the love of most will grow he is, out in the desert,’ do not go
cold, out; or, `Here he is, in the inner
13 but he who stands firm to the rooms,’ do not believe it.
end will be saved. 27 For as lightning that comes from
14 And this gospel of the kingdom the east is visible even in the west,
will be preached in the whole world so will be the coming of the Son of
as a testimony to all nations, and Man.
then the end will come. 28 Wherever there is a carcass,
15 “So when you see standing in there the vultures will gather.
the holy place `the abomination that 29 “Immediately after the distress
causes desolation’, [Daniel 9 :27; of those days “`the sun will be
11:31; 12:11] spoken of through the darkened, and the moon will not
prophet Daniel — let the reader un- give its light; the stars will fall
derstand — from the sky, and the heavenly bo d-
16 then let those who are in Judea ies will be shaken.’ [Isaiah 13:10;
flee to the mountains. 34:4]
17 Let no-one on the roof of his 30 “At that time the sign of the Son
house go down to take anything out of Man will appear in the sky, and
of the house. all the nations of the earth will
18 Let no-one in the field go back mourn. They will see the Son of
to get his cloak. Man coming on the clouds of the
19 How dreadful it will be in those sky, with power and great glory.
days for pregnant women and nur s- 31 And he will send his angels with
ing mothers! a loud trumpet call, and they will
20 Pray that your flight will not gather his elect from the four winds,
take place in winter or on the Sa b- from one end of the heavens to the
bath. other.
21 For then there will be great di s- 32 “Now learn this lesson from the
tress, unequalled from the beginning fig-tree: As soon as its twigs get
of the world until now — and never tender and its leaves come out, you
to be equalled again. know that summer is near.
22 If those days had not been cut 33 Even so, when you see all these
short, no-one would survive, but for things, you know that it [Or he] is
the sake of the elect those days will near, right at the door.
be shortened. 34 I tell you the truth, this gener a-
23 At that time if anyone says to tion [Or race] will certainly not pass
you, `Look, here is the Christ!’ or, away until all these things have
`There he is!’ do not believe it. happened.
24 For false Christs and false 35 Heaven and earth will pass
prophets will appear and perform away, but my words will never pass
great signs and miracles to deceive away.
even the elect — if that were possi- 36 “No-one knows about that day
ble. or hour, not even the angels in
25 See, I have told you ahead of heaven, nor the Son, [Some man u-
time. scripts: do not have nor the Son.]
26 “So if anyone tells you, `There but only the Father.
36
M AT T H E W
37 As it was in the days of Noah, 50 The master of that servant will
so it will be at the coming of the come on a day when he does not e x-
Son of Man. pect him and at an hour he is not
38 For in the days before the flood, aware of.
people were eating and drinking, 51 He will cut him to pieces and
marrying and giving in marriage, up assign him a place with the hyp o-
to the day Noah entered the ark; crites, where there will be weeping
39 and they knew nothing about and gnashing of teeth.
what would happen until the flood
came and took them all away. That CHAPTER 25
is how it will be at the coming of 1 “At that time the kingdom of
the Son of Man. heaven will be like ten virgins who
40 Two men will be in the field; took their lamps and went out to
one will be taken and the other left. meet the bridegroom.
41 Two women will be grinding 2 Five of them were foolish and
with a hand mill; one will be taken five were wise.
and the other left. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps
42 “Therefore keep watch, because but did not take any oil with them.
you do not know on what day your 4 The wise, however, took oil in
Lord will come. jars along with their lamps.
43 But understand this: If the own- 5 The bridegroom was a long time
er of the house had known at what in coming, and they all became
time of night the thief was coming, drowsy and fell asleep.
he would have kept watch and 6 “At midnight the cry rang out:
would not have let his house be br o- `Here’s the bridegroom! Come out
ken into. to meet him!’
44 So you also must be ready, b e- 7 “Then all the virgins woke up and
cause the Son of Man will come at trimmed their lamps.
an hour when you do not expect 8 The foolish ones said to the wise,
him. `Give us some of your oil; our
45 “Who then is the faithful and lamps are going out.’
wise servant, whom the master has 9 “`No,’ they replied, `there may
put in charge of the servants in his not be enough for both us and you.
household to give them their food at Instead, go to those who sell oil and
the proper time? buy some for yourselves.’
46 It will be good for that servant 10 “But while they were on their
whose master finds him doing so way to buy the oil, the bridegroom
when he returns. arrived. The virgins who were ready
47 I tell you the truth, he will put went in with him to the wedding
him in charge of all his possessions. banquet. And the door was shut.
48 But suppose that servant is 11 “Later the others also came.
wicked and says to himself, `My `Sir! Sir!’ they said. `Open the door
master is staying away a long time,’ for us!’
49 and he then begins to beat his 12 “But he replied, `I tell you the
fellow-servants and to eat and drink truth, I don’t know you.’
with drunkards. 13 “Therefore keep watch, because
37
M AT T H E W
you do not know the day or the 24 “Then the man who had received
hour. the one talent came. `Master,’ he
14 “Again, it will be like a man g o- said, `I knew that you are a hard
ing on a journey, who called his man, harvesting where you have not
servants and entrusted his property sown and gathering where you have
to them. not scattered seed.
15 To one he gave five talents [A 25 So I was afraid and went out and
talent was worth several hundred hid your talent in the ground. See,
pounds.] of money, to another two here is what belongs to you.’
talents, and to another one talent, 26 “His master replied, `You wic k-
each according to his ability. Then ed, lazy servant! So you knew that I
he went on his journey. harvest where I have not sown and
16 The man who had received the gather where I have not scattered
five talents went at once and put his seed?
money to work and gained five 27 Well then, you should have put
more. my money on deposit with the ban k-
17 So also, the one with the two ers, so that when I returned I would
talents gained two more. have received it back with interest.
18 But the man who had received 28 “`Take the talent from him and
the one talent went off, dug a hole give it to the one who has the ten
in the ground and hid his master ’s talents.
money. 29 For everyone who has will be
19 “After a long time the master of given more, and he will have an
those servants returned and settled abundance. Whoever does not have,
accounts with them. even what he has will be taken from
20 The man who had received the him.
five talents brought the other five. 30 And throw that worthless serv-
`Master,’ he said, `you entrusted me ant outside, into the darkness, where
with five talents. See, I have gained there will be weeping and gnashing
five more.’ of teeth.’
21 “His master replied, `Well done, 31 “When the Son of Man comes in
good and faithful servant! You hav e his glory, and all the angels with
been faithful with a few things; I him, he will sit on his throne in
will put you in charge of many heavenly glory.
things. Come and share your mas- 32 All the nations will be gathered
ter ’s happiness!’ before him, and he will sepa rate the
22 “The man with the two talents people one from another as a she p-
also came. `Master,’ he said, `you herd separates the sheep from the
entrusted me with two talents; see, I goats.
have gained two more.’ 33 He will put the sheep on his
23 “His master replied, `Well done, right and the goats on his left.
good and faithful servant! You have 34 “Then the King will say to those
been faithful with a few things; I on his right, `Come, you who are
will put you in charge of many blessed by my Father; take your i n-
things. Come and share your mas- heritance, the kingdom prepared for
ter ’s happiness!’ you since the creation of the world.
38
M AT T H E W
35 For I was hungry and you gave
me something to eat, I was thirsty CHAPTER 26
and you gave me something to 1 When Jesus had finished saying
drink, I was a stranger and you i n- all these things, he said to his disc i-
vited me in, ples,
36 I needed clothes and you clothed 2 “As you know, the Passover is
me, I was sick and you looked after two days away — and the Son of
me, I was in prison and you came to Man will be handed over to be cr u-
visit me.’ cified.”
37 “Then the righteous will answer 3 Then the chief priests and the el-
him, `Lord, when did we see you ders of the people assembled in the
hungry and feed you, or thirsty and palace of the high priest, whose
give you something to drink? name was Caiaphas,
38 When did we see you a stranger 4 and they plotted to arrest Jesus in
and invite you in, or needing clothes some sly way and kill him.
and clothe you? 5 “But not during the Feast,” they
39 When did we see you sick or in said, “or there may be a riot among
prison and go to visit you?’ the people.”
40 “The King will reply, `I tell you 6 While Jesus was in Bethany in
the truth, whatever you did for one the home of a man known as Simon
of the least of these brothers of the Leper,
mine, you did for me.’ 7 a woman came to him with an al-
41 “Then he will say to those on abaster jar of very expensive pe r-
his left, `Depart from me, you who fume, which she poured on his head
are cursed, into the eternal fire pr e- as he was reclining at the table.
pared for the devil and his angels. 8 When the disciples saw this, they
42 For I was hungry and you gave were indignant. “Why this waste?”
me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and they asked.
you gave me nothing to drink, 9 “This perfume could have been
43 I was a stranger and you did not sold at a high price and the money
invite me in, I needed clothes and given to the poor.”
you did not clothe me, I was sick 10 Aware of this, Jesus said to
and in prison and you did not look them, “Why are you bothering this
after me.’ woman? She has done a beautiful
44 “They also will answer, `Lord, thing to me.
when did we see you hungry or 11 The poor you will always have
thirsty or a stranger or needing with you, but you will not always
clothes or sick or in prison, and d id have me.
not help you?’ 12 When she poured this perfume
45 “He will reply, `I tell you the on my body, she did it to prepare me
truth, whatever you did not do for for burial.
one of the least of these, you did not 13 I tell you the truth, wherever
do for me.’ this gospel is preached throughout
46 “Then they will go away to the world, what she has done will
eternal punishment, but the righ t- also be told, in memory of her.”
eous to eternal life.” 14 Then one of the Twelve — the
39
M AT T H E W
one called Judas Iscariot — went to it, and gave it to his disciples, sa y-
the chief priests ing, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
15 and asked, “What are you wil l- 27 Then he took the cup, gave
ing to give me if I hand him over to thanks and offered it to them, sa y-
you?” So they counted out for him ing, “Drink from it, all of you.
thirty silver coins. 28 This is my blood of the [Some
16 From then on Judas watched for manuscripts: the new] covenant,
an opportunity to hand him over. which is poured out for many for the
17 On the first day of t he Feast of forgiveness of sins.
Unleavened Bread, the disciples 29 I tell you, I will not drink of
came to Jesus and asked, “Where do this fruit of the vine from now on
you want us to make preparations until that day when I drink it anew
for you to eat the Passover?” with you in my Father ’s kingdom.”
18 He replied, “Go into the city to 30 When they had sung a hymn,
a certain man and tell him, `The they went out to the Mount of O l-
Teacher says: My appointed time is ives.
near. I am going to celebrate the 31 Then Jesus told them, “This
Passover with my disciples at your very night you will all fall away on
house.’“ account of me, for it is written: “`I
19 So the disciples did as Jesus had will strike the shepherd, and the
directed them and prepared the sheep of the flock will b e scattered.’
Passover. [Zech. 13:7]
20 When evening came, Jesus was 32 But after I have risen, I will go
reclining at the table with the ahead of you into Galilee.”
Twelve. 33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall
21 And while they were eating, he away on account of you, I never
said, “I tell you the truth, one of will.”
you will betray me.” 34 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus an-
22 They were very sad and began to swered, “this very night, before the
say to him one after the other, cock crows, you will disown me
“Surely not I, Lord?” three times.”
23 Jesus replied, “The one who has 35 But Peter declared, “Even if I
dipped his hand into the bowl with have to die with you, I will never
me will betray me. disown you.” And all the other di s-
24 The Son of Man will go just as ciples said the same.
it is written about him. But woe to 36 Then Jesus went with his disci-
that man who betrays the Son of ples to a place called Gethsemane,
Man! It would be better for him if and he said to them, “Sit here while
he had not been born.” I go over there and pray.”
25 Then Judas, the one who would 37 He took Peter and the two sons
betray him, said, “Surely not I, of Zebedee along with him, and he
Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “Yes, it is began to be sorrowful and troubled.
you.” [Or “You yourself have said 38 Then he said to them, “My soul
it”] is overwhelmed with sorrow to the
26 While they were eating, Jesus point of death. Stay here and keep
took bread, gave thanks and broke watch with me.”
40
M AT T H E W
39 Going a little farther, he fell arrested him.
with his face to the ground and 51 With that, one of Jesus’ compan-
prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, ions reached for his sword, drew it
may this cup be taken from me. Yet out and struck the servant of the
not as I will, but as you will.” high priest, cutting off his ear.
40 Then he returned to his disciples 52 “Put your sword back in its
and found them sleeping. “Could place,” Jesus said to him, “for all
you men not keep watch with me for who draw the sword will die by the
one hour?” he asked Peter. sword.
41 “Watch and pray so that you will 53 Do you think I cannot call on
not fall into temptation. The spirit is my Father, and he will at once put at
willing, but the body is weak.” my disposal more than twelve l e-
42 He went away a second time and gions of angels?
prayed, “My Father, if it is not po s- 54 But how then would the Scri p-
sible for this cup to b e taken away tures be fulfilled that say it must
unless I drink it, may your will be happen in this way?”
done.” 55 At that time Jesus said to the
43 When he came back, he again crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion,
found them sleeping, because their that you have come out with swords
eyes were heavy. and clubs to capture me? Every day
44 So he left them and went away I sat in the temple courts teaching,
once more and prayed the third and you did not arrest me.
time, saying the same thing. 56 But this has all taken place that
45 Then he returned to the disciples the writings of the prophets might
and said to them, “Are you still be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples
sleeping and resting? Look, the hour deserted him and fled.
is near, and the Son of Man is b e- 57 Those who had arrested Jesus
trayed into the hands of sinners. took him to Caiaphas, the high
46 Rise, let us go! Here comes my priest, where the teachers of the law
betrayer!” and the elders had assembled.
47 While he was still speaking, J u- 58 But Peter followed him at a di s-
das, one of the Twelve, arrived. tance, right up to the courtyard of
With him was a large crowd armed the high priest. He entered and sat
with swords and clubs, sent from the down with the guards to see the ou t-
chief priests and the elders of the come.
people. 59 The chief priests and the whole
48 Now the betrayer had arranged a Sanhedrin were looking for false e v-
signal with them: “The one I kiss is idence against Jesus so that they
the man; arrest him.” could put him to death.
49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas 60 But they did not find any,
said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed though many false witnesses came
him. forward. Finally two came forward
50 Jesus replied, “Friend, do what 61 and declared, “This fellow said,
you came for.” [Or “Friend, why `I am able to destroy the temple of
have you come?”] Then the men God and rebuild it in three days.’“
stepped forward, seized Jesus and 62 Then the high priest stood up
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M AT T H E W
and said to Jesus, “Are you not g o- curses on himself and he swore to
ing to answer? What is this testim o- them, “I don’t know the man!” Im-
ny that these men are bringing mediately a cock crowed.
against you?” 75 Then Peter remembered the
63 But Jesus remained silent. The word Jesus had spoken: “Before the
high priest said to him, “I charge cock crows, you will disown me
you under oath by the living God: three times.” And he went outside
Tell us if you are the Christ, [Or and wept bitterly.
Messiah; also in verse 68] the Son
of God.” CHAPTER 27
64 “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus r e- 1 Early in the mornin g, all the
plied. “But I say to all of you: In chief priests and the elders of the
the future you will see the Son of people came to the decision to put
Man sitting at the right hand of the Jesus to death.
Mighty One and coming on the 2 They bound him, led him away
clouds of heaven.” and handed him over to Pilate, the
65 Then the high priest tore his governor.
clothes and said, “He has spoken 3 When Judas, who had betrayed
blasphemy! Why do we need any him, saw that Jesus was condemned,
more witnesses? Look, now you he was seized with remorse and re-
have heard the blasphemy. turned the thirty silver coins to the
66 What do you think?” “He is chief priests and the elders.
worthy of death,” they answered. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I
67 Then they spat in his face and have betrayed innocent blood.”
struck him with their fists. Others “What is that to us?” they replied.
slapped him “That’s your responsibility.”
68 and said, “Prophesy to us, 5 So Judas threw the money into
Christ. Who hit you?” the temple and left. Then he went
69 Now Peter was sitting out in the away and hanged himself.
courtyard, and a servant girl came 6 The chief priests picked up the
to him. “You also were with Jesus of coins and said, “It is against the law
Galilee,” she said. to put this into the treasury, since it
70 But he denied it before them all. is blood money.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking 7 So they decided to use the money
about,” he said. to buy the potter ’s field as a bu rial
71 Then he went out to the gat e- place for foreigners.
way, where another girl saw him and 8 That is why it has been called the
said to the people there, “This fe l- Field of Blood to this day.
low was with Jesus of N azareth.” 9 Then what was spoken by Jerem i-
72 He denied it again, with an oath: ah the prophet was fulfilled: “They
“I don’t know the man!” took the thirty silver coins, the price
73 After a little while, those stan d- set on him by the people of Israel,
ing there went up to Peter and said, 10 and they used them to buy the
“Surely you are one of them, for potter ’s field, as the Lord co m-
your accent gives you away.” manded me.” [See Zech. 11:12,13;
74 Then he began to call down Jer. 19:1-13; 32:6-9.]
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M AT T H E W
11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before mitted?” asked Pilate. But they
the governor, and the governor shouted all the louder, “Crucify
asked him, “Are you the king of the him!”
Jews?” “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus 24 When Pilate saw that he was
replied. getting nowhere, but that instead an
12 When he was accused by the uproar was starting, he took water
chief priests and the elders, he gave and washed his hands in front of the
no answer. crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s
13 Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t blood,” he said. “It is your respo n-
you hear the testimony they are sibility!”
bringing against you?” 25 All the people answered, “Let
14 But Jesus made no reply, not his blood be on us and on our chil-
even to a single charge — to the dren!”
great amazement of the gover nor. 26 Then he released Barabbas to
15 Now it was the governor ’s cus- them. But he had Jesus flogged, and
tom at the Feast to release a priso n- handed him over to be crucified.
er chosen by the crowd. 27 Then the governor ’s soldiers
16 At that time they had a notori- took Jesus into the Praetorium and
ous prisoner, called Barabbas. gathered the whole company of sol-
17 So when the crowd had gat h- diers round him.
ered, Pilate asked them, “Which one 28 They stripped him and put a
do you want me to release t o you: scarlet robe on him,
Barabbas, or Jesus who is called 29 and then twisted together a
Christ?” crown of thorns and set it on his
18 For he knew it was out of envy head. They put a staff in his right
that they had handed Jesus over to hand and knelt in front of him and
him. mocked him. “Hail, king of the
19 While Pilate was sitting on the Jews!” they said.
judge’s seat, his wife sent him this 30 They spat on him, and took the
message: “Don’t have anything to staff and struck him on the head
do with that innocent man, for I again and again.
have suffered a great deal today in a 31 After they had mocked him, they
dream because of him.” took off the robe and put his own
20 But the chief priests and the el- clothes on him. Then they led him
ders persuaded the crowd to ask for away to crucify him.
Barabbas and to have Jesus execu t- 32 As they were going out, they
ed. met a man from Cyrene, named S i-
21 “Which of the two do you want mon, and they forced him to carry
me to release to you?” asked the the cross.
governor. “Barabbas,” they an- 33 They came to a place called
swered. Golgotha (which means The Place of
22 “What shall I do, then, with J e- the Skull).
sus who is called Christ?” Pilate 34 There they offered Jesus wine to
asked. They all answered, “Crucify drink, mixed with gall; but after
him!” tasting it, he refused to drink it.
23 “Why? What crime has he com- 35 When they had crucified him,
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M AT T H E W
they divided up his clothes by cas t- there heard this, they said, “He’s
ing lots. [A few late manuscripts calling Elijah.”
lots that the word spoken by the 48 Immediately one of them ran
prophet might be fulfilled: “They and got a sponge. He filled it with
divided my garments among them- wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and
selves and cast lots for my clot h- offered it to Jesus to drink.
ing.” (Psalm 22:18)] 49 The rest said, “Now leave him
36 And sitting down, they kept alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to
watch over him there. save him.”
37 Above his head they placed the 50 And when Jesus had cried out
written charge against him: THIS IS again in a loud voice, he gave up his
JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. spirit.
38 Two robbers were crucified with 51 At that moment the curtain of
him, one on his right and one on his the temple was torn in two from top
left. to bottom. The earth shook and the
39 Those who passed by hurled i n- rocks split.
sults at him, shaking their heads 52 The tombs broke open and the
40 and saying, “You who are going bodies of many holy people who had
to destroy the temple and build it in died were raised to life.
three days, save yourself! Come 53 They came out of the tombs, and
down from the cross, if you are the after Jesus’ resurrection they went
Son of God!” into the holy city and appeared to
41 In the same way the chief many people.
priests, the teachers of the law and 54 When the centurion and those
the elders mocked him. with him who were guarding Jesus
42 “He saved others,” they said, saw the earthquake and all that had
“but he can’t save himself! He’s the happened, they were terrified, and
King of Israel! Let him come down exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son
now from the cross, and we will b e- [Or a son] of God!”
lieve in him. 55 Many women were there, watch-
43 He trusts in God. Let God res- ing from a distance. They had fol-
cue him now if he wants him, for he lowed Jesus from Galilee to care for
said, `I am the Son of God.’“ his needs.
44 In the same way the robbers who 56 Among them were Mary Magd a-
were crucified with him also heaped lene, Mary the mother of James and
insults on him. Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s
45 From the sixth hour until the sons.
ninth hour darkness came over all 57 As evening approached, there
the land. came a rich man from Arimathea,
46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried named Joseph, who had himself b e-
out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, come a disciple of Jesus.
[Some manuscripts: Eli, Eli] lama 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for J e-
sabachthani?” — which means, “My sus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it
God, my God, why have you forsak- be given to him.
en me?” [Psalm 22:1] 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped
47 When some of those standing it in a clean linen cloth,
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M AT T H E W
60 and placed it in his own new cified.
tomb that he had cut out of the rock. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just
He rolled a big stone in front of the as he said. Come and see the place
entrance to the tomb and went away. where he lay.
61 Mary Magdalene and the other 7 Then go quickly and tell his di s-
Mary were sitting there opposite the ciples: `He has risen from the dead
tomb. and is going ahead of you into Gali-
62 The next day, the one after lee. There you will see him.’ Now I
Preparation Day, the chief priests have told you.”
and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 8 So the women hurried away from
63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy,
that while he was still alive that d e- and ran to tell his disciples.
ceiver said, `After three days I will 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Gree t-
rise again.’ ings,” he said. They came to him,
64 So give the order for the tomb clasped his feet and worshipp ed
to be made secure until the third him.
day. Otherwise, his disciples may 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do
come and steal the body and tell the not be afraid. Go and tell my brot h-
people that he has been raised from ers to go to Galilee; there they will
the dead. This last deception will be see me.”
worse than the first.” 11 While the women were on their
65 “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. way, some of the guards went into
“Go, make the tomb as secure as the city and reported to the chief
you know how.” priests everything that had hap-
66 So they went and made the tomb pened.
secure by putting a seal on the stone 12 When the chief priests had met
and posting the guard. with the elders and devised a plan,
they gave the soldiers a large sum of
CHAPTER 28 money,
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the 13 telling them, “You are to say,
first day of the week, Mary Magd a- `His disciples came during the night
lene and the other Mary went to and stole him away while we were
look at the tomb. asleep.’
2 There was a violent earthquake, 14 If this report gets to the gover-
for an angel of the Lord came down nor, we will satisfy him and keep
from heaven and, going to the tomb, you out of trouble.”
rolled back the stone and sat on it. 15 So the soldiers took the money
3 His appearance was like ligh t- and did as they were instructed. And
ning, and his clothes were white as this story has been widely circulated
snow. among the Jews to this very day.
4 The guards were so afraid of him 16 Then the eleven disciples went
that they shook and became like to Galilee, to the mountain where
dead men. Jesus had told them to go.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do 17 When they saw him, they wo r-
not be afraid, for I know that you shipped him; but some doubted.
are looking for Jesus, who was cr u- 18 Then Jesus came to them and
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M AT T H E W
said, “All authority in heaven and
on earth has been given to me.
19 Therefore go and make disciples
of all nations, baptising them in [Or
into; see Acts 8:16; 19:5; Rom. 6:3;
1 Cor. 1:13; 10:2 and Gal. 3:27.] the
name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey ev e-
rything I have commanded you. And
surely I am with you al ways, to the
very end of the age.”
46