Chapter One
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO
S. Matthew INTRODUCTION
See "The Synoptic Gospels," p. 1927.
Author
The early church fathers were unanimous in holding that Matthew, one of the 12
apostles, was the author of this Gospel. However, the results of modern critical studies-in
particular those that stress Matthew's alleged dependence on Mark for a substantial
part of his Gospel-have caused some Biblical scholars to abandon Matthean
authorship. Why, they ask, would Matthew, an eyewitness to the events of our Lord's
life, depend so heavily on Mark's account? The best answer seems to be that he
agreed with it and wanted to show that the apostolic testimony to Christ was not divided.
Matthew, whose name means "gift of the Lord," was a tax collector who left his
work to follow Jesus (9:9-13). In Mark and Luke he is called by his other name, Levi,
and Mark also mentions that he was the "son of Alpheus" (2:14). As a tax official he
had to be intelligent and literate, and thus capable of precisely recording events in
the life of our Lord. Matthew frequently mentions money and has an interest in large
figures (18:24; 25:15).
Date and Place of Writing
The Jewish nature of Matthew's Gospel may suggest that it was written in the Holy
Land, though many think it may have originated in Syrian Antioch. Some have argued
on the basis of its Jewish characteristics that it was written in the early church period,
possibly the early part of A.D. 50, when the church was largely Jewish and the
gospel was preached to Jews only (Ac 11:19). However, those who have concluded
that both Matthew and Luke drew extensively from Mark's Gospel date it later-after
the Gospel of Mark had been in circulation for a period of time. See chart, p. 1927.
Accordingly, some feel that Matthew would have been written in the late 50s or in
the 60s. Others, who assume that Mark was written between 65 and 70, place Matthew
in the 70s or even later.
Recipients
Since his Gospel was written in Greek, Matthew's readers were obviously Greek-speaking.
They also seem to have been Jews. Many elements point to Jewish readership:
Matthew's concern with fulfillment of the OT (he has more quotations from and
allusions to the OT than any other Gospel writer); his tracing of Jesus' descent from
Abraham (1:1-17); his lack of explanation of Jewish customs (especially in contrast
to Mark); his use of Jewish terminology (e.g., "kingdom of heaven" and "Father in
heaven," where "heaven" reveals the Jewish reverential reluctance to use the name
of God); his emphasis on Jesus' role as "Son of David" (1:1; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22;
20:30-31; 21:9,15; 22:41-45). This does not mean, however, that Matthew restricts
his Gospel to Jews. He records the coming of the wise men (non-Jews) to worship the
infant Jesus (2:1-12), as well as Jesus' statement that the "field is the world" (13:38).
He also gives a full statement of the Great Commission (28:18-20). These passages
show that, although Matthew's Gospel is Jewish, it has a universal outlook.
Purpose
Matthew's main purpose is to prove to his Jewish readers that Jesus is their Messiah.
He does this primarily by showing how Jesus in His life and ministry fulfilled
the OT Scriptures. Although all the Gospel writers quote the OT, Matthew includes
nine additional proof texts (1:22-23; 2:15; 2:17-18; 2:23; 4:14-16; 8:17; 12:17-21;
13:35; 27:9-10) to drive home his basic theme: Jesus is the fulfillment of the OT predictions
of the Messiah. Matthew even finds the history of God's people in the OT
recapitulated in some aspects of Jesus' life (see, e.g., his quotation of Hos 11:1 in 2:15).
To accomplish his purpose Matthew also emphasizes Jesus' Davidic lineage (see Recipients
above).
Structure
The way the material is arranged reveals an artistic touch. The whole Gospel is woven
around six great discourses: (1) chs. 5-7; (2) ch. 10; (3) ch. 13; (4) ch. 18; (5)
ch. 23; (6) chs. 24-25. That this is deliberate is clear from the refrain that concludes
each discourse: "When Jesus had finished these words," or similar phrases (7:28;
11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). The narrative sections, in each case, appropriately lead up
to the discourses. The Gospel has a fitting prologue (chs. 1-2) and a challenging epilogue
(28:16-20).
Matthew begins as "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ," much as Genesis
begins each of its ten main sections with "the generations of ." (see note on Gen
2:4). Jewish readers notice the similarity immediately. Matthew gives Jesus' royal lineage
and supernatural birth (1-2), followed by his qualifications through baptism and
the temptation (3-4). Then he gives Jesus' basic message (5-7), followed by a grouping
of miracles (8-10). After Christ's rejection as seen in ch. 11-12, Matthew records
Jesus' parables showing a different direction from the immediate kingdom he had been
announcing for the Jews. The climax of Matthew is found in the passion story which
makes up so much of the rest of the book.
Outline
I. The Birth and Early Years of Jesus (chs. 1-2)
A. His Genealogy (1:1-17)
B. His Birth (1:18-2:12)
C. His Sojourn in Egypt (2:13-23)
II. The Beginnings of Jesus' Ministry (3:1-4:11)
A. His Forerunner (3:1-12)
B. His Baptism (3:13-17)
C. His Temptation (4:1-11)
III. Jesus' Ministry in Galilee (4:12-14:12)
A. The Beginning of the Galilean Campaign (4:12-25)
B. The Sermon on the Mount (chs. 5-7)
C. A Collection of Miracles (chs. 8-9)
D. The Commissioning of the 12 Apostles (ch. 10)
E. Ministry throughout Galilee (chs. 11-12)
F. The Parables of the Kingdom (ch. 13)
G. Herod's Reaction to Jesus' Ministry (14:1-12)
IV. Jesus' Withdrawals from Galilee (14:13-17:20)
A. To the Eastern Shore of the Sea of Galilee (14:13-15:20)
B. To Phoenicia (15:21-28)
C. To the Decapolis (15:29-16:12)
D. To Caesarea Philippi (16:13-17:20)
V. Jesus' Last Ministry in Galilee (17:22-18:35)
A. Prediction of Jesus' Death (17:22-23)
B. Temple Tax (17:24-27)
C. Discourse on Life in the Kingdom (ch. 18)
VI. Jesus' Ministry in Judea and Perea (chs. 19-20)
A. Teaching concerning Divorce (19:1-12)
B. Teaching concerning Little Children (19:13-15)
C. The Rich Young Man (19:16-30)
D. The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard (20:1-16)
E. Prediction of Jesus' Death (20:17-19)
F. A Mother's Request (20:20-28)
G. Restoration of Sight at Jericho (20:29-34)
VII. Passion Week (chs. 21-27)
A. The Triumphal Entry (21:1-11)
B. The Cleansing of the Temple (21:12-17)
C. The Last Controversies with the Jewish Leaders (21:18-22:46)
D. The Denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees (23)
E. The Olivet Discourse concerning the End of the Age (chs. 24-25)
F. The Anointing of Jesus' Feet (26:1-13)
G. The Arrest, Trials and Death of Jesus (26:14-27:66)
VIII. The Resurrection (ch. 28)
The genealogy of Jesus
1 The book of the generation of
Jesus Christ, the son of David,
the son of Abraham.
2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac
begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas
and his brethren;
3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara
of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom;
and Esrom begat Aram;
4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and
Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson
begat Salmon;
5 And Salmon begat Booz of
Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth;
and Obed begat Jesse;
6 And Jesse begat David the king;
and David the king begat Solomon ofher that had been the wife of Urias;
7 And Solomon begat Roboam;
and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat
Asa;
8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat
begat Joram; and Joram begat
Ozias;
9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and
Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat
Ezekias;
10 And Ezekias begat Manasses;
and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon
begat Josias;
11 And Josias begat Jechonias
and his brethren, about the time they
were carried away to Babylon:
12 And after they were brought to
Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel;
and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and
Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat
Azor;
14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and
Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat
Eliud;
15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar
begat Matthan; and Matthan begat
Jacob;
16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband
of Mary, of whom was born
Jesus, who is called Christ.
17 So all the generations from
Abraham to David are fourteen generations;
and from David until the carrying
away into Babylon are fourteen
generations; and from the carrying
away into Babylon unto Christ are
fourteen generations.
The birth of Jesus
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ
was on this wise: When as his mother
Mary was espoused to Joseph, before
they came together, she was
found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being
a just man, and not willing to
make her a publick example, was
minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on thesethings, behold, the angel of the Lord
appeared unto him in a dream, saying,
Joseph, thou son of David, fear
not to take unto thee Mary thy wife:
for that which is conceived in her is
of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son,
and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from
their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it
might be fulfilled which was spoken of
the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with
child, and shall bring forth a son, and
they shall call his name Emmanuel,
which being interpreted is, God with
us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from
sleep did as the angel of the Lord had
bidden him, and took unto him his
wife:
25 And knew her not till she had
brought forth her firstborn son: andhe called his name JESUS.
The coming of the wise men
2 Now when Jesus was born in
Bethlehem of Judea in the days
of Herod the king, behold, there came
wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born
King of the Jews? for we have seen
his star in the east, and are come to
worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heardthese things, he was troubled, and all
Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all
the chief priests and scribes of the
people together, he demanded of
them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem
of Judea: for thus it is written
by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the
land of Juda, art not the least among
the princes of Juda: for out of thee
shall come a Governor, that shall
rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily
called the wise men, inquired of them
diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem,
and said, Go and search diligently for
the young child; and when ye have
found him, bring me word again, that
I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king,
they departed; and lo, the star, which
they saw in the east, went before
them, till it came and stood over
where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they
rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into
the house, they saw the young child
with Mary his mother, and fell down,
and worshipped him: and when they
had opened their treasures, they
presented unto him gifts; gold, and
frankincense, and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a
dream that they should not return to
Herod, they departed into their own
country another way.
The flight into Egypt
13 And when they were departed,
behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth
to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and
take the young child and his mother,
and flee into Egypt, and be thou there
until I bring thee word: for Herod will
seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the
young child and his mother by night,
and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of
Herod: that it might be fulfilled which
was spoken of the Lord by the prophet,
saying, Out of Egypt have I called
my son.
16 Then Herod, when he saw that
he was mocked of the wise men, was
exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and
slew all the children that were in
Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof,
from two years old and under, according
to the time which he had diligently
inquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled that which
was spoken by Jeremie the prophet,
saying,
18 In Rama was there a voice
heard, lamentation, and weeping, and
great mourning, Rachel weeping for
her children, and would not be comforted,
because they are not.
From Egypt to Nazareth
19 But when Herod was dead, behold,
an angel of the Lord appeareth
in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
20 Saying, Arise, and take the young
child and his mother, and go into the
land of Israel: for they are dead which
sought the young child's life.
21 And he arose, and took the
young child and his mother, and came
into the land of Israel.
22 But when he heard that Archelaus
did reign in Judea in the room of
his father Herod, he was afraid to go
thither: notwithstanding, being
warned of God in a dream, he turned
aside into the parts of Galilee:
23 And he came and dwelt in a city
called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken by the prophets,
He shall be called a Nazarene.
John the Baptist
3 In those days came John the
Baptist, preaching in the wilderness
of Judea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of
by the prophet Esaias, saying, The
voice of one crying in the wilderness,
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make
his paths straight.
4 And the same John had his raiment
of camel's hair, and a leathern
girdle about his loins; and his meat
was locusts and wild honey.
5 Then went out to him Jerusalem,
and all Judea, and all the region
round about Jordan,
6 And were baptized of him in
Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the
Pharisees and Sadducees come to his
baptism, he said unto them, O
generation of vipers, who hath
warned you to flee from the wrath
to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet
for repentance:
9 And think not to say within yourselves,
We have Abraham to our father:
for I say unto you, that God is
able of these stones to raise up children
unto Abraham.
10 And now also the axe is laid
unto the root of the trees: therefore
every tree which bringeth not forth
good fruit is hewn down, and cast into
the fire.
Continues.
Chapter One
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO
S. Matthew
INTRODUCTION
See "The Synoptic Gospels," p. 1927.
Author
The early church fathers were unanimous in holding that Matthew, one of the 12
apostles, was the author of this Gospel. However, the results of modern critical studies-in
particular those that stress Matthew's alleged dependence on Mark for a substantial
part of his Gospel-have caused some Biblical scholars to abandon Matthean
authorship. Why, they ask, would Matthew, an eyewitness to the events of our Lord's
life, depend so heavily on Mark's account? The best answer seems to be that he
agreed with it and wanted to show that the apostolic testimony to Christ was not divided.
Matthew, whose name means "gift of the Lord," was a tax collector who left his
work to follow Jesus (9:9-13). In Mark and Luke he is called by his other name, Levi,
and Mark also mentions that he was the "son of Alpheus" (2:14). As a tax official he
had to be intelligent and literate, and thus capable of precisely recording events in
the life of our Lord. Matthew frequently mentions money and has an interest in large
figures (18:24; 25:15).
Date and Place of Writing
The Jewish nature of Matthew's Gospel may suggest that it was written in the Holy
Land, though many think it may have originated in Syrian Antioch. Some have argued
on the basis of its Jewish characteristics that it was written in the early church period,
possibly the early part of A.D. 50, when the church was largely Jewish and the
gospel was preached to Jews only (Ac 11:19). However, those who have concluded
that both Matthew and Luke drew extensively from Mark's Gospel date it later-after
the Gospel of Mark had been in circulation for a period of time. See chart, p. 1927.
Accordingly, some feel that Matthew would have been written in the late 50s or in
the 60s. Others, who assume that Mark was written between 65 and 70, place Matthew
in the 70s or even later.
Recipients
Since his Gospel was written in Greek, Matthew's readers were obviously Greek-speaking.
They also seem to have been Jews. Many elements point to Jewish readership:
Matthew's concern with fulfillment of the OT (he has more quotations from and
allusions to the OT than any other Gospel writer); his tracing of Jesus' descent from
Abraham (1:1-17); his lack of explanation of Jewish customs (especially in contrast
to Mark); his use of Jewish terminology (e.g., "kingdom of heaven" and "Father in
heaven," where "heaven" reveals the Jewish reverential reluctance to use the name
of God); his emphasis on Jesus' role as "Son of David" (1:1; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22;
20:30-31; 21:9,15; 22:41-45). This does not mean, however, that Matthew restricts
his Gospel to Jews. He records the coming of the wise men (non-Jews) to worship the
infant Jesus (2:1-12), as well as Jesus' statement that the "field is the world" (13:38).
He also gives a full statement of the Great Commission (28:18-20). These passages
show that, although Matthew's Gospel is Jewish, it has a universal outlook.
Purpose
Matthew's main purpose is to prove to his Jewish readers that Jesus is their Messiah.
He does this primarily by showing how Jesus in His life and ministry fulfilled
the OT Scriptures. Although all the Gospel writers quote the OT, Matthew includes
nine additional proof texts (1:22-23; 2:15; 2:17-18; 2:23; 4:14-16; 8:17; 12:17-21;
13:35; 27:9-10) to drive home his basic theme: Jesus is the fulfillment of the OT predictions
of the Messiah. Matthew even finds the history of God's people in the OT
recapitulated in some aspects of Jesus' life (see, e.g., his quotation of Hos 11:1 in 2:15).
To accomplish his purpose Matthew also emphasizes Jesus' Davidic lineage (see Recipients
above).
Structure
The way the material is arranged reveals an artistic touch. The whole Gospel is woven
around six great discourses: (1) chs. 5-7; (2) ch. 10; (3) ch. 13; (4) ch. 18; (5)
ch. 23; (6) chs. 24-25. That this is deliberate is clear from the refrain that concludes
each discourse: "When Jesus had finished these words," or similar phrases (7:28;
11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). The narrative sections, in each case, appropriately lead up
to the discourses. The Gospel has a fitting prologue (chs. 1-2) and a challenging epilogue
(28:16-20).
Matthew begins as "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ," much as Genesis
begins each of its ten main sections with "the generations of ." (see note on Gen
2:4). Jewish readers notice the similarity immediately. Matthew gives Jesus' royal lineage
and supernatural birth (1-2), followed by his qualifications through baptism and
the temptation (3-4). Then he gives Jesus' basic message (5-7), followed by a grouping
of miracles (8-10). After Christ's rejection as seen in ch. 11-12, Matthew records
Jesus' parables showing a different direction from the immediate kingdom he had been
announcing for the Jews. The climax of Matthew is found in the passion story which
makes up so much of the rest of the book.
Outline
I. The Birth and Early Years of Jesus (chs. 1-2)
A. His Genealogy (1:1-17)
B. His Birth (1:18-2:12)
C. His Sojourn in Egypt (2:13-23)
II. The Beginnings of Jesus' Ministry (3:1-4:11)
A. His Forerunner (3:1-12)
B. His Baptism (3:13-17)
C. His Temptation (4:1-11)
III. Jesus' Ministry in Galilee (4:12-14:12)
A. The Beginning of the Galilean Campaign (4:12-25)
B. The Sermon on the Mount (chs. 5-7)
C. A Collection of Miracles (chs. 8-9)
D. The Commissioning of the 12 Apostles (ch. 10)
E. Ministry throughout Galilee (chs. 11-12)
F. The Parables of the Kingdom (ch. 13)
G. Herod's Reaction to Jesus' Ministry (14:1-12)
IV. Jesus' Withdrawals from Galilee (14:13-17:20)
A. To the Eastern Shore of the Sea of Galilee (14:13-15:20)
B. To Phoenicia (15:21-28)
C. To the Decapolis (15:29-16:12)
D. To Caesarea Philippi (16:13-17:20)
V. Jesus' Last Ministry in Galilee (17:22-18:35)
A. Prediction of Jesus' Death (17:22-23)
B. Temple Tax (17:24-27)
C. Discourse on Life in the Kingdom (ch. 18)
VI. Jesus' Ministry in Judea and Perea (chs. 19-20)
A. Teaching concerning Divorce (19:1-12)
B. Teaching concerning Little Children (19:13-15)
C. The Rich Young Man (19:16-30)
D. The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard (20:1-16)
E. Prediction of Jesus' Death (20:17-19)
F. A Mother's Request (20:20-28)
G. Restoration of Sight at Jericho (20:29-34)
VII. Passion Week (chs. 21-27)
A. The Triumphal Entry (21:1-11)
B. The Cleansing of the Temple (21:12-17)
C. The Last Controversies with the Jewish Leaders (21:18-22:46)
D. The Denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees (23)
E. The Olivet Discourse concerning the End of the Age (chs. 24-25)
F. The Anointing of Jesus' Feet (26:1-13)
G. The Arrest, Trials and Death of Jesus (26:14-27:66)
VIII. The Resurrection (ch. 28)
The genealogy of Jesus
1 The book of the generation of
Jesus Christ, the son of David,
the son of Abraham.
2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac
begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas
and his brethren;
3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara
of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom;
and Esrom begat Aram;
4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and
Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson
begat Salmon;
5 And Salmon begat Booz of
Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth;
and Obed begat Jesse;
6 And Jesse begat David the king;
and David the king begat Solomon ofher that had been the wife of Urias;
7 And Solomon begat Roboam;
and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat
Asa;
8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat
begat Joram; and Joram begat
Ozias;
9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and
Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat
Ezekias;
10 And Ezekias begat Manasses;
and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon
begat Josias;
11 And Josias begat Jechonias
and his brethren, about the time they
were carried away to Babylon:
12 And after they were brought to
Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel;
and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and
Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat
Azor;
14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and
Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat
Eliud;
15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar
begat Matthan; and Matthan begat
Jacob;
16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband
of Mary, of whom was born
Jesus, who is called Christ.
17 So all the generations from
Abraham to David are fourteen generations;
and from David until the carrying
away into Babylon are fourteen
generations; and from the carrying
away into Babylon unto Christ are
fourteen generations.
The birth of Jesus
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ
was on this wise: When as his mother
Mary was espoused to Joseph, before
they came together, she was
found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being
a just man, and not willing to
make her a publick example, was
minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on thesethings, behold, the angel of the Lord
appeared unto him in a dream, saying,
Joseph, thou son of David, fear
not to take unto thee Mary thy wife:
for that which is conceived in her is
of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son,
and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from
their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it
might be fulfilled which was spoken of
the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with
child, and shall bring forth a son, and
they shall call his name Emmanuel,
which being interpreted is, God with
us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from
sleep did as the angel of the Lord had
bidden him, and took unto him his
wife:
25 And knew her not till she had
brought forth her firstborn son: andhe called his name JESUS.
The coming of the wise men
2 Now when Jesus was born in
Bethlehem of Judea in the days
of Herod the king, behold, there came
wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born
King of the Jews? for we have seen
his star in the east, and are come to
worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heardthese things, he was troubled, and all
Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all
the chief priests and scribes of the
people together, he demanded of
them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem
of Judea: for thus it is written
by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the
land of Juda, art not the least among
the princes of Juda: for out of thee
shall come a Governor, that shall
rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily
called the wise men, inquired of them
diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem,
and said, Go and search diligently for
the young child; and when ye have
found him, bring me word again, that
I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king,
they departed; and lo, the star, which
they saw in the east, went before
them, till it came and stood over
where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they
rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into
the house, they saw the young child
with Mary his mother, and fell down,
and worshipped him: and when they
had opened their treasures, they
presented unto him gifts; gold, and
frankincense, and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a
dream that they should not return to
Herod, they departed into their own
country another way.
The flight into Egypt
13 And when they were departed,
behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth
to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and
take the young child and his mother,
and flee into Egypt, and be thou there
until I bring thee word: for Herod will
seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the
young child and his mother by night,
and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of
Herod: that it might be fulfilled which
was spoken of the Lord by the prophet,
saying, Out of Egypt have I called
my son.
16 Then Herod, when he saw that
he was mocked of the wise men, was
exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and
slew all the children that were in
Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof,
from two years old and under, according
to the time which he had diligently
inquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled that which
was spoken by Jeremie the prophet,
saying,
18 In Rama was there a voice
heard, lamentation, and weeping, and
great mourning, Rachel weeping for
her children, and would not be comforted,
because they are not.
From Egypt to Nazareth
19 But when Herod was dead, behold,
an angel of the Lord appeareth
in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
20 Saying, Arise, and take the young
child and his mother, and go into the
land of Israel: for they are dead which
sought the young child's life.
21 And he arose, and took the
young child and his mother, and came
into the land of Israel.
22 But when he heard that Archelaus
did reign in Judea in the room of
his father Herod, he was afraid to go
thither: notwithstanding, being
warned of God in a dream, he turned
aside into the parts of Galilee:
23 And he came and dwelt in a city
called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken by the prophets,
He shall be called a Nazarene.
John the Baptist
3 In those days came John the
Baptist, preaching in the wilderness
of Judea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of
by the prophet Esaias, saying, The
voice of one crying in the wilderness,
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make
his paths straight.
4 And the same John had his raiment
of camel's hair, and a leathern
girdle about his loins; and his meat
was locusts and wild honey.
5 Then went out to him Jerusalem,
and all Judea, and all the region
round about Jordan,
6 And were baptized of him in
Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the
Pharisees and Sadducees come to his
baptism, he said unto them, O
generation of vipers, who hath
warned you to flee from the wrath
to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet
for repentance:
9 And think not to say within yourselves,
We have Abraham to our father:
for I say unto you, that God is
able of these stones to raise up children
unto Abraham.
Continues.
