“Prefase”

and  “Part 1. Integral Gospel”

 

 

Preface

 

Nowadays it's quite unlikely to find a person who has not heard at least anything about the Gospel[1]. Nevertheless, only Christians are mainly aware of the fact that the Gospel consists of four Gospels written by four different authors Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These four Gospels that are mainly published in a single book one after another, comprise, in fact, a Common Gospel, i. e. Quadruple Gospel.

All the four Gospels tell about the same — about the life and sermon of Jesus Christ. The Gospels partly repeat each other, and that primarily concerns the first three of them, "based mainly on a common historical material, therefore it would be possible to state them at desire in three columns of one page of the text. Books of a similar kind are called synopses[2] that is why the first three Gospels could also be referred to as synoptic".[3]

Unfortunately, such a fourfold duplication of the annunciation makes it quite difficult to read. On having successfully coped with the first part, Matthew, the reader straight away gets stuck on the second part, Mark, since the second part seems to predominantly repeat what has already been said in the first part. As regards Luke or John, the third and the fourth parts, their turn hardly ever comes because they seem unlikely to add anything new. Though conventional printing on the margins the references to similar fragments from three other Gospels makes the search of those places easier, it still cannot provide the wholeness of the reader's perception because of constant there-and-back jumping to other pages.

And thus, we get a paradoxical situation: in spite of the all Christians' worship to the Gospel as a Holy scripture, in fact, very few of them — except the priests and the clergymen — read it whole in succession: overwhelming majority of the Christians, the ordinary, so to say, congregation, read in succession at best only a quarter, at the very most — half of the text. Such situation is quite suitable for the conservative part of the Christian clerics who pursue their own interests: not honorable service to the God, but reservation of their personal monopoly to interpret the Sacred Book — the worse educated flock, the easier to manipulate them. For this very reason such clerics always resisted to bringing the four Gospels together — precisely the same way as the conservative part of the Judaism clergymen has always resisted to translating Torah from Hebrew to other languages.

In general, as Joel Carmichael wrote, " the information in the Gospels is not only poor, it is also amazingly inconsistent. To understand what has actually taken place, it is necessary to reconstitute the sequence of events. As a matter of fact nobody has ever ventured to make this reconstruction based on the material available, but by no means subordinated to it, though this opportunity has existed for a long time ".[4] Finally I felt that it's me who has to venture on that — first of all because my professional experience includes both traditional  hand-written editing (Odessa branch of the largest Publishing House "Vyscha shkola", former USSR, in the 80-s) as well as modern  computer editing (in my own New York microcopies publishing house "Lifebelt", USA, at present time).

So, to make integrate reading of the Gospel easier for the broad masses of Christians and for inquisitive non-Christians, I have united all the four Gospels into one — Integral Gospel (using the text of "New American Bible" — National Conference of Catholic Bishops / United States Catholic Conference). I have selected the most detailed fragments among all the versions and supplemented them with particulars from other versions. I only formulated the headlines and sub-headlines — to facilitate orientation in the text; there are no such headlines in the old Greek original.

The Integral Gospel includes the whole text of "New American Bible" with the same numbering of verses. I have neither changed nor removed a single word — my editing only implied very complex and laborious  arrangement of the text. Thus, quoting with the references to Integral Gospel (e. g. Mark8,I3) is 100 per cent identical to quotations from the standard Quadruple Gospel.

The Integral Gospel is convenient first and foremost for those who reveal interest to this Sacred Book as to a literary monument, that is, not from religious but from secular positions — including for school-children at the lessons on the history of religions, for college students and for scientists. It will also be useful for the wide circles of Christians — those who are guided not by FAITH only (I would say by implicit faith) but by KNOWLEDGE as well.

 

 

Part 1. Start

 

Background

“In the beginning was the Word”

John In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 1,1

He was in the beginning with God. 1,2 All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be 1,3 through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; 1,4 the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 1,5

Mark 1,1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ (the Son of God).

Luke Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 1,1 just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, 1,2 I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, 1,3 so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you havev received. 1,4

 

Genealogy

Matthew The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 1,1

Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. 1,2 Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, 1,3 Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, 1,4 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, 1,5 Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. 1,6 Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. 1,7 Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. 1,8 Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. 1,9 Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. 1,10 Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. 1,11 After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 1,12 Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, 1,13 Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, 1,14 Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, 1,15 Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah. 1,16 Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah, fourteen generations. 1,17

Luke When Jesus began his ministry he was about thirty years of age. He was the son, as was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli,  the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,  the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai,  the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda,  the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,  the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,  the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,  the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,  the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon,  the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,  the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,  the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,  the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,  the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan,  the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

 

 

Origin of John

 

The Angel comes to the priest Zacharias

Luke 1,5-25  In the days of Herod, King of Judea,  there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 1,5 Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. 1,6 But they had no child,  because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. 1,7

Once when he was serving as priest in his division's turn before God, 1,8 according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. 1,9 Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, 1,10 the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. 1,11

Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. 1,12

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid,  Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. 1,13 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 1,14 for he will be great in the sight of (the) Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink.  He will be filled with the holy Spirit even from his mother's womb, 1,15 and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 1,16 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah  to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” 1,17

Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 1,18

And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel,  who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. 1,19 But now you will be speechless and unable to talk  until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” 1,20

Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. 1,21 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. 1,22 Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. 1,23

After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, 1,24 “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.” 1,25

 

Mary is visiting Elizabeth

Luke 1,39-56 During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 1,39 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 1,40

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, 1,41 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 1,42 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord  should come to me? 1,43 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 1,44 Blessed are you who believed  that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 1,45

And Mary said:  “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 1,46 my spirit rejoices in God my savior. 1,47 For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. 1,48 The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 1,49 His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. 1,50 He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. 1,51 He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. 1,52  The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. 1,53 He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, 1,54 according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” 1,55

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. 1,56

 

Birth of John

Luke 1,57-80 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 1,57 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 1,58

 When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, 1,59 but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 1,60

But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” 1,61

So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 1,62 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 1,63 Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 1,64 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. 1,65

All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?”

For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. 1,66

Then Zechariah his father, filled with the holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: 1,67 68  “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people. 1,68 He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant, 1,69 even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old: 1,70 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, 1,71 to show mercy to our fathers and to be mindful of his holy covenant 1,72 and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father, and to grant us that, 1,73 rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him 1,74 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 1,75 And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord  to prepare his ways, 1,76 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 1,77 because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high  will visit us 1,78 to shine on those who sit in darkness and death's shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” 1,79

The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel. 1,80

 

 

Origin of Jesus

 

The Angel comes to Mary

Luke 1,26-38 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 1,26 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. 1,27

And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 1,28

But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 1,29

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 1,30 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 1,31 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,  and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 1,32 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 1,33

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 1,34

And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 1,35 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived  a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 1,36 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 1,37

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

Then the angel departed from her. 1,38

 

Marys marriage

Matthew 1,18-25 Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,  but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. 1,18 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,  yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 1,19

Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord  appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 1,20 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,  because he will save his people from their sins.” 1,21 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 1,22 «Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel», which means: God is with us»[5].” 1,23

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. 1,24 He had no relations with her until she bore a son,  and he named him Jesus. 1,25

 

Birth of Jesus

Luke 2,1-20 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus  that the whole world should be enrolled. 2,1 This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 2,2

So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. 2,3 And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 2,4 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 2,5

While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, 2,6 and she gave birth to her firstborn son.  She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 2,7 Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. 2,8 The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. 2,9

The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 2,10 For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. 2,11 And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” 2,12

And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 2,13 “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 2,14

When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 2,15

So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. 2,16 When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. 2,17 All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. 2,18 And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. 2,19

Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. 2,20

 

Worship of magis

Matthew 2,1-12 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod,  behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2,1 saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star  at its rising and have come to do him homage.” 2,2

When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 2,3 Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 2,4

They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 2,5 «And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.»[6]2,6

Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. 2,7 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” 2,8

After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. 2,9

They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 2,10 and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 2,11

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. 2,12

 

Simeons and Annas benediction

Luke When eight days were completed for his circumcision,  he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 2,21 When the days were completed for their purification  according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 2,22 just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” 2,23 and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. 2,24

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel,  and the holy Spirit was upon him. 2,25 It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. 2,26

He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, 2,27 he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 2,28 “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, 2,29 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 2,30 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 2,31 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” 2,32

The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 2,33 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted 2,34 (and you yourself a sword will pierce)  so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 2,35

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, 2,36 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. 2,37 And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. 2,38

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 2,39

 

Escape to Egypt

Matthew  When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,  and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” 2,13

Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. 2,14 He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, «Out of Egypt I called my son».[7] 2,15

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. 2,16 Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: 2,17 «A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more»[8]. 2,18

When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 2,19 and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” 2,20

 He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 2,21

But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod,  he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. 2,22 He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazorean.” 2,23

 

Twelve-years-old

Luke 2,40-52 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. 2,40

 Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, 2,41 and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. 2,42 After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 2,43 Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 2,44 but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. 2,45

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, 2,46 and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 2,47

When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” 2,48

And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” 2,49

But they did not understand what he said to them. 2,50

He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 2,51

And Jesus advanced (in) wisdom and age and favor before God and man. 2,52

 

 

Johns activity

 

Baptism of the people

Luke  In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, 3,1 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas,  the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. 3,2

Matthew   In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea 3,1 (and) saying, “Repent,  for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3,2

Mark People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. 1,5 John was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist.  He fed on locusts and wild honey. 1,6

EXTRA: Matthew 4 John wore clothing made of camel's hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 3,4

At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him 3,5 and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. 3,6

Mark John (the) Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 1,4

 

 

Johns witness

John A man named John was sent from God. 1,6 He came for testimony,  to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 1,7 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. 1,8

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 1,9 He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. 1,10 He came to what was his own, but his own people  did not accept him. 1,11 But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, 1,12 who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man's decision but of God. 1,13

And the Word became flesh  and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth. 1,14

 John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, «The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me».” 1,15

From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, 1,16 because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 1,17 No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God,  who is at the Father's side, has revealed him. 1,18

Luke 3,15-18

Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah. 3,15 John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. 3,16 His winnowing fan  is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 3,17

Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people. 3,18

 EXTRA: Mark And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. 1,7 I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the holy Spirit.” 1,8

 

“What should we do?”

Luke And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” 3,10

He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” 3,11

Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” 3,12

He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” 3,13

Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?”

He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” 3,14

 

“The voice of one crying out in the desert”

John And this is the testimony of John.

When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites (to him) to ask him, “Who are you?” 1,19 he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Messiah.” 1,20

So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?”  

And he said, “I am not.”

“Are you the Prophet?”

He answered, “No.” 1,21

So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” 1,22

He said: “I am 'the voice of one crying out in the desert, «Make straight the way of the Lord,”'  as Isaiah the prophet said»[9].” 1,23

Some Pharisees  were also sent. 1,24

They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?” 1,25

John answered them, “I baptize with water;  but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, 1,26

the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” 1,27

This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,  where John was baptizing. 1,28

Mark As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:  «Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way»[10]. 1,2

EXTRA: Luke He went throughout (the) whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 3,3 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: «A voice of one crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. 3,4 Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, 3,5 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.»[11]3,6

Matthew It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: «A voice of one crying out in the desert, 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths». 3,3

Mark A voice of one crying out in the desert: «Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths».1,3

 

Baptism of the Pharisees and Sadducees

Matthew When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 3,7 Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. 3,8 And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 3,9 Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 3,10 I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. 3,11 His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 3,12

EXTRA: Luke He said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 3,7 Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance; and do not begin to say to yourselves, «We have Abraham as our father», for I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 3,8 Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” 3,9

 

Baptism of Jesus

Matthew Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 3,13 John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” 3,14

Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”

Then he allowed him. 3,15

After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened (for him), and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove (and) coming upon him. 3,16 And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” 3,17

John The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. 1,29 He is the one of whom I said, «A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me». 1,30 I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” 1,31

John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. 1,32 I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, «On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit». 1,33 Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” 1,34

Mark Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. 6,17 John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 6,18

EXTRA: Mark It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. 1,9 On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. 1,10 And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 1,11

Luke After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened 3,21 and the holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 3,22

 

More than prophet

Luke  When the messengers of John had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. “What did you go out to the desert to see--a reed swayed by the wind? 7,24 Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces. 7,25 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 7,26 This is the one about whom scripture says: «Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you».[12] 7,27 I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 7,28

 

 

After baptism

 

Devils temptation

Matthew Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 4,1 He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. 4,2 The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.” 4,3

He said in reply, “It is written: «One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God»[13].” 4,4

Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, 4,5 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: «He will command his angels concerning you and 'with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone»[14].” 4,6

Jesus answered him, “Again it is written, «You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test»[15].” 4,7

Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, 4,8 and he said to him, “All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.”  4,9

At this, Jesus said to him, “Get away, Satan! It is written: «The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve».[16]4,10

Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him. 4,11

EXTRA: Luke Filled with the holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert 4,1 for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry. 4,2

The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4,3

Jesus answered him, “It is written, «One does not live by bread alone».” 4,4

Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. 4,5 The devil said to him, “I shall give to you all this power and their glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. 4,6 All this will be yours, if you worship me.” 4,7

Jesus said to him in reply, “It is written: «You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve».” 4,8

Then he led him to Jerusalem, made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 4,9 for it is written: «He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you», 4,10 and: «With their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone».” 4,11

Jesus said to him in reply, “It also says, «You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test».” 4,12

When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time. 4,13

Mark At once the Spirit drove him out into the desert, 1,12 and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. 1,13

 

The arrest of John

Luke Now Herod the tetrarch, who had been censured by him because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and because of all the evil deeds Herod had committed, 3,19 added still another to these by (also) putting John in prison. 3,20

Matthew When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 4,12 He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, 4,13 that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: 4,14 «Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, 4,15 the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen»[17]. 4,16

 

“Began to preach”

Matthew From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 4,17

EXTRA: Mark After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: 1,14 “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel”. 1,15

 

 

First followers

 

“We have found the Messiah”

John The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, 1,35 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” 1,36

The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. 1,37

Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?”

They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 1,38

He said to them,”Come, and you will see.”

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. 1,39

Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. 1,40 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). 1,41

Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Kephas” (which is translated Peter). 1,42

The next day he decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” 1,43

Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. 1,44 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” 1,45

But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 1,46

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him.” 1,47

Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”

Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” 1,48

Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” 1,49

Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 1,50 And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man. 1,51

 

“I will make you fishers of men”

Matthew As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. 4,18

He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 4,19

At once they left their nets and followed him. 4,20

He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, 4,21 and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. 4,22

EXTRA: Luke Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 5,10

When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him. 5,11

Mark As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. 1,16 Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 1,17

Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. 1,18

He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. 1,19

Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him. 1,20

 

Before follow Him

Luke And to another he said, “Follow me.”

But he replied, “(Lord,) let me go first and bury my father.” 9,59

But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 9,60

And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” 9,61

 (To him) Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.” 9,62

EXTRA: Matthew    8,21-22  21

Another of (his) disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” 9,62

But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.” 9,62

 

“I did not come to call the righteous”

Luke After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” 5,27

And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. 5,28

Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. 5,29 The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 5,30

Matthew He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. 9,12 Go and learn the meaning of the words, «I desire mercy, not sacrifice»[18]. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” 9,13

EXTRA: Matthew As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.”

And he got up and followed him. 9,9

While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. 9,10 The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 9,11

Mark Once again he went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. 2,13

As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.”

And he got up and followed him. 2,14

While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. 2,15 Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 2,16

Jesus heard this and said to them (that), “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” 2,17

Luke Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. 5,31 I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.” 5,32

 

“Then they will fast”

Matthew Then the disciples of John approached him and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast (much), but your disciples do not fast?” 9,14

Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. 9,15 No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. 9,16 People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.” 9,17

 

 

The twelve apostles

 

“Summoned those whom he wanted”

Luke Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. 4,14

Matthew Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. 9,35

At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. 9,36 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; 9,37 so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” 9,38

Mark He went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. 9,38 He appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach 9,38 and to have authority to drive out demons: 9,38

Matthew The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 10,2 Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; 10,3 Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. 10,4

EXTRA: Luke He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. 4,15 <...>

In those days he departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. 6,12 When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named apostles: 6,13 Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 6,14 Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, 6,15 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. 6,16

Mark (he appointed the twelve:) Simon, whom he named Peter; 3,16 James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; 3,17 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, 3,18 and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. 3,19

Matthew Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. 10,1

 

“Like sheep in the midst of wolves”

Matthew Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words--go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. 10,14 Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 10,15 Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. 10,16 But beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, 10,17 and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. 10,18 When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. 10,19 For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 10,20 Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 10,21 You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. 10,22 When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 10,23 No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. 10,24 It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! 10,25 Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. 10,26 What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 10,27 And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. 10,28 Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. 10,29 Even all the hairs of your head are counted. 10,30 So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. 10,31

 

 “I have come to bring not peace but the sword”

Matthew — Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. 10,32 But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father. 10,33 Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. 10,34 For I have come to set a man 'against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 10,35 and one's enemies will be those of his household. 10,36 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 10,37 and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. 10,38 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 10,39 Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. 10,40 Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man's reward. 10,41 And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple--amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.” 10,42

 

“We are unprofitable servants”

Luke And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 17,5

The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to (this) mulberry tree, «Be uprooted and planted in the sea», and it would obey you. 17,6 Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, «Come here immediately and take your place at table»? 17,7 Would he not rather say to him, «Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished»? 17,8 Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? 17,9 So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, «We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do». 17,10

 

“Began to send them out two by two”

Luke He summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 9,1 and he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal (the sick). 9,2 He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic”. 9,3

Matthew Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. 10,11

Luke Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. 9,4 <...> Into whatever house you enter, first say, «Peace to this household». 10,5 If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 10,6 Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. 10,7 Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, 10,8 cure the sick in it and say to them, «The kingdom of God is at hand for you». 10,9 Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, 10,10 «The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you». Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand. 10,11 I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town. 10,12 Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 10,13 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 10,14 And as for you, Capernaum, Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld. 10,15 Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me." 10,16

Matthew Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, "Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. 10,5 Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 10,6 As you go, make this proclamation: «The kingdom of heaven is at hand». 10,7 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give”. 10,8

Mark: So they went off and preached repentance. 6,12 They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. 6,13

EXTRA: Matthew Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; 10,9 no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. 10,10 Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. 10,11 As you enter a house, wish it peace. 10,12 If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. 10,13

Mark He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. 6,7 He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick — no food, no sack, no money in their belts. 6,8 They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. 6,9 He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. 6,10 Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them." 6,11

Luke “And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them." 9,5

Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere. 9,6 <...>

“Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.”  10,4

 

“Whoever is not against you is for you”

Luke Then John said in reply, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company." 9,49

Jesus said to him, "Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you." 9,50

Mark Jesus replied, "Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. 9,39 For whoever is not against us is for us. 9,40 Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.” 9,41

EXTRA: Mark John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us." 9,38

Jesus replied, "Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.” 9,39

 

"Do you also want to leave?"

John These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. 6,59

Then many of his disciples who were listening said, "This saying is hard; who can accept it?" 6,60

Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, "Does this shock you? 6,61 What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 6,62 It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 6,63 But there are some of you who do not believe."

Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. 6,64 And He said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by My Father." 6,65

As a result of this, many (of) his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied Him. 6,66

Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?" 6,67

Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 6,68 We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God." 6,69

Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you twelve? Yet is not one of you a devil?" 6,70

He was referring to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot; it was he who would betray him, one of the Twelve. 6,71

 

 

Seventy disciples

 

“Laborers for his harvest”

Luke After this the Lord appointed seventy (-two) others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. 10,1 He said to them, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. 10,2 Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.” 10,3

 

Return from reaping

Luke The seventy (-two) returned rejoicing, and said, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name." 10,17

Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning  from the sky. 10,18 Behold, I have given you the power 'to tread upon serpents' and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. 10,19 Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven." 10,20

At that very moment he rejoiced (in) the holy Spirit and said, "I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.  Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. 10,21 All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him." 10,22

Turning to the disciples in private he said, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 10,23 For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it." 10,24

 

“Knock and the door will be opened to you”

Luke And He said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, «Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 11,5 for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him», 11,6 and he says in reply from within, «Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything». 11,7 I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence. 11,8 And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 11,9 For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11,10 What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? 11,11 Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? 11,12 If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit  to those who ask him? 11,13

 

“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees”

Mark and got into the boat with his disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha. 8,10

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven to test Him. 8,11 He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation." 8,12

Matthew He said to them in reply, "In the evening you say, «Tomorrow will be fair, for the sky is red»; 16,2 and, in the morning, «Today will be stormy, for the sky is red and threatening». You know how to judge the appearance of the sky, but you cannot judge the signs of the times. 16,3 An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah."  

Then He left them and went away. 16,4

In coming to the other side of the sea, the disciples had forgotten to bring bread. 16,5 Jesus said to them, "Look out, and beware of the leaven  of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 16,6

 They concluded among themselves, saying, "It is because we have brought no bread." 16,7

When Jesus became aware of this he said, "You of little faith, why do you conclude among yourselves that it is because you have no bread? 16,8 Do you not yet understand, and do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many wicker baskets you took up? 16,9 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 16,10 How do you not comprehend that I was not speaking to you about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 16,11

Then they understood  that he was not telling them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 16,12

Luke Meanwhile, so many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. He began to speak, first to his disciples, "Beware of the leaven — that is, the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. 12,1 There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. 12,2 Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. 12,3 I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. 12,4 I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna;  yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. 12,5 Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?  Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. 12,6 Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows. 12,7 I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. 12,8 But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. 12,9 Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 12,10 When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. 12,11 For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say. 12,12

EXTRA: Matthew The Pharisees and Sadducees came and, to test him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 16,1 He said to them in reply, "In the evening you say, «Tomorrow will be fair, for the sky is red»; 16,2

 

“Do not seek what you are to eat”

Luke Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me." 12,13

He replied to him, "Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?" 12,14

Then he said to the crowd, "Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions. 12,15 — Then he told them a parable. — There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. 12,16 He asked himself, «What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?» 12,17 And he said, «This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods 12,18 and I shall say to myself, "Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!» 12,19 But God said to him, «You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?» 12,20 Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God."  12,21

He said to (his) disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what you will wear. 12,22 For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. 12,23 Notice the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you than birds! 12,24 Can any of you by worrying add a moment to your lifespan? 12,25 If even the smallest things are beyond your control, why are you anxious about the rest? 12,26 Notice how the flowers grow. They do not toil or spin. But I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of them. 12,27 If God so clothes the grass in the field that grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? 12,28 As for you, do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not worry anymore. 12,29 All the nations of the world seek for these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 12,30 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides. 12,31 Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. 12,32 Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. 12,33 For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. 12,34

 

“You also must be prepared”

Luke "Gird your loins and light your lamps 12,35 and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. 12,36 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. 12,37  And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants. 12,38 Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 12,39 You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come." 12,40

Then Peter said, "Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?" 12,41

And the Lord replied, "Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute (the) food allowance at the proper time? 12,42 Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. 12,43 Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. 12,44 But if that servant says to himself, «My master is delayed in coming»,  and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, 12,45 then that servant's master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. 12,46 That servant who knew his master's will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; 12,47 and the servant who was ignorant of his master's will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more. 12,48

 

“I have come to set the earth on fire”

Luke "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! 12,49 There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! 12,50 Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 12,51 From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; 12,52 a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." 12,53

He also said to the crowds, "When you see (a) cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain--and so it does; 12,54 and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot — and so it is. 12,55 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? 12,56 Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 12,57 If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. 12,58 I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny." 12,59

 

Sins

Luke He said to his disciples, "Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the person through whom they occur. 17,1 It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 17,2

 

Forgive your brother

Luke Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 17,3 And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, «I am sorry», you should forgive him." 17,4

Matthew "If your brother  sins (against you), go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. 18,15 If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 18,16 If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church.  If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. 18,17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



[1]Greek  εύαγγέλιονannunciation; means good news about arrival of Messiah.

[2]Greek  συνοφιςreview.

[3]Flusser D. "Jesus, testifying about himself", translation from German. — Cheliabinsk, "Ural", 1999, p. 8.

[4]Carmichael J. “The Death of Jesus”, reverse translation from Russian. — New-York, «Liberty», 1995, p. 19.

[5] The book of the prophet Isaiah, 7, 14.

[6] The book of the prophet Micah, 5,2.

 

 

[7] The book of the prophet Hosea, 11, 1.

[8] The book of the prophet Jeremiah, 31, 15.

[9] The book of the prophet Isaiah, 40,3.

[10] Exodus, 23, 30; The book of the prophet Malachi, 3, 1.

[11] The book of the prophet Isaiah, 40, 3-5.

[12] The book of the prophet Malachi,3,1.

[13] Deuteronomy,8,3.

[14] Psalms,90,11-12.

[15] Deuteronomy,6, 16.

[16] Deuteronomy, 6,13;10,20.

 

[17] The book of the prophet Isaiah,9,1-2

 

[18] The book of the prophet Hosea,6,6.