CHAPTERS 10 to
34
THE MOUNT OF OLIVES
The Book of Prophecy Descends
into the Heart of Jesus
10.1. Jesus, having come to the
age of thirty years, as he himself said to me, went up to Mount Olives with his
mother to gather olives. Then at midday as he was praying,
when he came to these words: 'Lord, with mercy...' he was
surrounded by an exceedingly bright light and by an infinite
multitude of angels, who were saying: "Blessed be God."
2.The angel Gabriel presented to him, as it were, a
shining mirror, a book, which descended into the heart of
Jesus, in which he had knowledge of what God has done and
what [God] has said and what God wills such that everything
was laid bare and open to him as he said to me: "O Barnabas, believe that I know every
prophet with every prophecy, and so whatever I say all of it
has come forth from that book."
3.Jesus, having received this vision, and knowing that he
was a prophet sent to the House of Israel, revealed
everything to his mother Mary, telling her that he must
suffer great persecution for the honour of God, and that he
could not abide with her to serve her any longer. Having
heard this, Mary answered: "Son, before you were born
everything was announced to me; wherefore blessed be the
holy name of God." Therefore, that day Jesus departed from
his mother to attend to his prophetic office.
JERUSALEM
The Healing of the Leper
11.1. Descending from the mountain to come into
Jerusalem, Jesus met a leper, who, by divine
inspiration, knew Jesus to be a prophet. Therefore he prayed
him with tears, saying: "Jesus, you son of David, have mercy
on me." Jesus answered: "What do you
want me to do for you, brother?" The leper answered:
"Lord, give me health."
2.Jesus reproved him, saying: "You
are foolish. Pray to God who created you, and he will give
you health; for I am a man, as you are." The leper
answered: "I know that you, Lord, are a man, but a holy one
of the Lord, so pray to God, and he will give me health."
Then Jesus, sighing, said: "Lord God
Almighty, for the love of your holy prophets give health to
this sick man." Then, having said this, he said,
touching the sick man with his hands in the name of God:
"O brother, receive your
health!"
3.When he had said this the leprosy was cleansed, such
that the flesh of the leper was left like that of a child.
Seeing that he was healed, the leper cried out with a loud
voice: "Come hither, Israel, to receive the prophet whom God
sends to you!" Jesus prayed him, saying: "Brother, hold your peace and say
nothing," but the more he prayed him the more he
cried out, saying: "Behold the prophet! behold the holy one
of God!" At which words many that were going out of
Jerusalem ran back, and entered with Jesus into Jerusalem,
recounting that which God, through Jesus, had done to the
leper.
The First Sermon
12.1. * The whole city of
Jerusalem was moved by these words so
they all ran together to the Temple to see Jesus, who had
entered it to pray, so that they could scarcely be
contained there. Therefore the priests sought Jesus, saying:
"This people desires to see you and hear you. Ascend to the
pinnacle, and if God gives you a word, speak it in the name
of the Lord."
2.Then Jesus ascended to the place
from which the scribes were wont to speak, and having
beckoned with [his] hand for silence, he opened his mouth,
saying: "Blessed be the holy name of
God, who of his goodness and mercy willed to create his
creatures [so] that they might glorify him. Blessed be the
holy name of God, who created the splendour of all the
saints and prophets before all things to send him for the
salvation of the world, as he spoke by his servant David,
saying: Before Lucifer in
the brightness of the saints I created you. Blessed be the holy name of God, who
created the angels that they might serve him.
3.And blessed be God, who punished
and reprobated Satan and his followers, who would not
reverence him whom God wills to be reverenced. Blessed be
the holy name of God, who created man out of the clay of the
earth, and set him over his works. Blessed be the holy name
of God, who drove man out of paradise for having
transgressed his holy precept. Blessed be the holy name of
God, who with mercy looked upon the tears of Adam and Eve,
first parents of the human race.
4.Blessed be the holy name of God,
who just punished Cain the fratricide, sent the deluge upon
the earth, burned up three wicked cities, scourged Egypt,
overwhelmed Pharaoh in the Red Sea, scattered the enemies of
his people, chastised the unbelievers, and punished the
impenitent. Blessed be the holy name of God, who with mercy
looked upon his creatures, and therefore sent them his holy
prophets, that they might walk in truth and righteousness
before him who delivered his servants from every evil, and
gave them this land, as he promised to our father Abraham
and to his son for ever. Then by his servant Moses he gave
us his holy Law, that Satan should not deceive us, and he
exalted us above all other peoples. But, brethren, what do
we do today, that we are not punished for our sins?"
5.And then with great vehemence Jesus rebuked the people
for forgetting the word of God, and [for] giving themselves
only to vanity. He rebuked the priests for their negligence
in God's service and for their worldly greed. He rebuked the
scribes because they preached vain doctrine, and forsook the
Law of God. He rebuked the doctors because they made the Law
of God of no effect through their traditions. Such did Jesus
speak to the people, that everyone wept, from the least to
the greatest, crying [for] mercy and beseeching Jesus to
pray [for] them - [everyone except] their priests and
leaders, who conceived hatred for Jesus on that day for
having spoken against the priests, scribes, and doctors.
6.And they meditated upon his death, but for fear of the
people, who had received him as a prophet of God, they [said
nothing]. Jesus raised his hands to the Lord God and prayed,
and the people, weeping, said: "So be it, O Lord, so be it."
The prayer being ended, Jesus
descended from the Temple and that day he departed from
Jerusalem with many that followed him. And the
priests spoke evil of Jesus among themselves.
THE MOUNT OF OLIVES
Jesus is Comforted by the Angel Gabriel
13. 1. Some days having passed,
Jesus, having perceived the desire of the priests in spirit,
ascended the Mount of Olives to
pray. And having passed the whole night in prayer, in
the morning, praying, Jesus said: "O
Lord, I know that the scribes hate me, and the priests [have
it in their minds] to kill me, your servant; therefore, Lord
God almighty and merciful, hear the prayers of [your]
servant in mercy, and save me from their snares, for you are
my salvation. You know, Lord, that I, your servant, seek you
alone, O Lord, and speak your word; for your word is truth,
which endures for ever."
2. When Jesus had spoken these words, the angel Gabriel
came to him saying: "Fear not, O Jesus, for a thousand
thousand who dwell above the heaven guard your garments, and
you shall not die till everything is fulfilled, and the
world shall be near its end." Jesus fell with his face to
the ground, saying: "O great Lord God,
how great is your mercy upon me! What shall I give you,
Lord, for all that you have granted me?"
3. * The angel Gabriel answered: "Arise, Jesus, and
remember Abraham, who being willing to sacrifice his
only-begotten son Ishmael to God, to fulfil the word of God,
[when] the knife [was] not able to cut his son, offered a
sheep in sacrifice at my word. Therefore, you shall [do the
same], O Jesus, servant of God." Jesus answered: "Willingly, but where shall I find the lamb.
I have no money, and it is not lawful to steal it."
[So] the angel Gabriel showed to him a sheep, which Jesus
offered in sacrifice, praising and blessing God, who is
glorious for ever.
THE WILDERNESS OF THE TRANS-JORDAN
The Temptation in the Wilderness
14. 1. Jesus
descended from the mount, and passed alone by night to the
farther side of Jordan, and fasted forty days and
forty nights, not eating anything day nor night, making
continual supplication to the Lord for the salvation of his
people to whom God had sent him. And when the forty days
were passed he was hungry. Then Satan appeared to him, and
tempted him in many words, but Jesus drove him away by the
power of words of God. [Then,] Satan having departed, the
angels came and ministered to Jesus everything that he
needed.
"THE REGION OF JERUSALEM"
The Twelve Apostles
2. Jesus, having returned to the
region of Jerusalem, was found again of the people
with exceeding great joy, and they prayed him that he would
abide with them; for his words were not as those of the
scribes, but were with power, for they touched the heart.
3. *Jesus, seeing that great was the multitude of them
that returned to their heart for to walk in the Law of God,
went up into the mountain, and
abode all night in prayer, and when day was come he descended from the mountain, and
chose twelve, whom he called apostles, among whom is Judas,
who was slain upon the cross. Their names are: Andrew and
Peter his brother, fishermen, Barnabas, who wrote
this, with Matthew the publican, who sat at the receipt
of custom; John and James, sons of Zebedee; Thaddaeus and
Judas ; Bartholomew and Philip James, and Judas Iscariot the
traitor. To these he always revealed the divine secrets, but
the Iscariot Judas he made his dispenser of that which was
given in alms, but he stole the tenth part of everything.
The Miracle of Turning Water into Wine
15. 1. When the feast of
tabernacles was near, a certain rich man invited Jesus with
his disciples and his mother to a marriage. Jesus therefore
went, and as they were feasting the wine ran short. his
mother accosted Jesus, saying: "They have no wine." Jesus
answered: "What is that to me, mother
mine?" His mother commanded the servants that
whatever Jesus should command them they should obey. There
were there six vessels for water according to the custom of
Israel to purify themselves for prayer. Jesus said: "Fill. these vessels with water." The
servants did so. Jesus said to them: "In the name of God, give to drink to them
that are feasting." The servants thereupon bare to
the master of the ceremonies, who rebuked the attendants
saying: "O worthless servants, why have you kept the better
wine till now?" For he knew nothing of all that Jesus had
done.
2. The servants answered: "O Sir, there is here a holy
man of God, for he has made of water, wine." The master of
the ceremonies thought that the servants were drunken; but
they that were sitting near to Jesus, having seen the whole
matter, rose from the table and paid him reverence, saying:
"Truly you are an holy one of God, a true prophet sent to us
from God!" Then his disciples believed on him, and many
returned to their heart, saying: "Praised be God, who has
mercy upon Israel, and visits the house of Judah with love,
and blessed be his holy name."
"ON THE MOUNTAIN"
The Sermon on the Mount
16. 1. One day Jesus called
together his disciples and went up on
to the mountain, and when he had sat down there his
disciples came near to him; and he opened his mouth and
taught them, saying: "Great are the
benefits which God has bestowed on us, wherefore it is
necessary that we should serve him with truth of heart. And
forasmuch as new wine is put into new vessels, even so ought
you to become new men, if you will contain the new doctrine
that shall come out of my mouth. Truly I say to you, that
even as a man cannot see with his eyes the heaven and the
earth at one and the same time, so it is impossible to love
God and the world.
2. "No man can in any wise serve
two masters that are at enmity one with the other; for if
the one shall love you, the other will hate you. Even so I
tell you in truth that you cannot serve God and the world,
for the world lies in falsehood, covetousness, and
malignity. You cannot therefore find rest in the world, but
rather persecution and loss. Wherefore serve God and despise
the world, for from me you shall find rest for your souls,
Hear my words, for I speak to you in truth.
3. "Truly, blessed are they that
mourn this earthly life, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the poor who truly hate the delights of the
world, for they shall abound in the delights of the kingdom
of God. Truly, blessed are they that eat at the table of
God, for the angels shall minister to them.
4. "You are journeying as pilgrims.
Does the pilgrim encumber himself with palaces and fields
and other earthly matters upon the way? Assuredly not: but
he bears things light and prized for their usefulness and
convenience upon the road This now should be an example to
you; and if you desire another example I will give it you,
in order that you may do all that I tell you. "Weigh not
down your hearts with earthly desires, saying: "Who shall
clothe us?" or "Who shall give us to eat?" But behold the
flowers and the trees, with the birds, which God our Lord
clothes and nourishes with greater glory than all the glory
of Solomon. And he is able to nourish you, even God who
created you and called you to his service; who for forty
years caused the manna to fall from heaven for his people
Israel in the wilderness, and did not suffer their clothing
to wax old or perish, they being six hundred and forty
thousand men, besides women and children.
5. Truly I say to you, that heaven
and earth shall fail, yet shall not fail his mercy to them
that fear him. But the rich of the world in their prosperity
are hungry and perish. There was rich man whose incomings
increased, and he said, "What shall I do, O my soul? I will
pull down my barns because they are small, and I will build
new and greater ones: therefore you shall triumph my soul!"
Oh, wretched ban! for that night he died. He ought to have
been mindful of the poor, and to have made himself friends
with the alms of unrighteous riches of this world; for they
bring treasures in the kingdom of heaven.
6. "Tell me, I pray you, if you
should give your money into the bank to a publican, and he
should give to you tenfold and twentyfold, would you not
give to such a man everything that you had? But I say to
you, truly, that whatsoever you shall give and shall forsake
for love of God, you receive it back an hundredfold, and
life everlasting. See then how much you ought to be content
to serve God.
The Doctrine Concerning God
17. 1. When Jesus had said this,
Philip answered: "We are content to serve God, but we
desire, however, to know God, for Isaiah the prophet said:
"Truly you are a hidden God," and God said to Moses
his servant: "I am that which I am." Jesus answered:
"Philip, God is a good without which
there is nothing good; God is a being without which there is
nothing that is; God is a life without which there is
nothing that lives; at that he fills all and is everywhere.
He alone has no equal. He has had no beginning, nor will he
ever have an end, but to everything has he given a
beginning, and to everything shall he give an end. He has no
father nor mother; he has no sons, nor brethren, nor
companions. And because God has no body, therefore he eats
not, sleeps not, dies not, walks not, moves not, but abides
eternally without human similitude, for that he is
incorporeal, uncompounded, immaterial, of the most simple
substance. He is so good that he loves goodness only; he is
so just that when he punishes or pardons it cannot be
gainsaid. In short, I say to you, Philip, that here on earth
you can not see him nor know him perfectly; but in his
kingdom you shall see him for ever: wherein consists all our
happiness and glory."
2. Philip answered: "Master, what say you? It is surely
written in Isaiah that God is our father; how, then, has he
no sons?" Jesus answered: "There are
written in the prophets many parables, wherefore you ought
not to attend to the letter, but to the sense. For all the
prophets, that are one hundred and forty-four thousand, whom
God has sent into the world, have spoken darkly. But after
me shall come the Splendour of all the prophets and holy
ones, and shall shed light upon the darkness of all that the
prophets have said, because he is the Messenger of God" And
having said this, Jesus sighed and said: "Have mercy on
Israel, O Lord God and look with pity upon Abraham and upon
his seed, in order that they may serve you with truth of
heart.
3. His disciples answered: "So be it, O Lord our God"
Jesus said: "Truly I say to you, the
scribes and doctors have made void the Law of God with their
false prophecies, contrary to the prophecies of the true
prophets of God: where. fore God is wroth with the House of
Israel and with this faithless generation." His
disciples wept at these words, and said: "Have mercy, O God,
have mercy upon the Temple and upon the holy city, and give
it not into contempt of the nations that they despise not
your holy covenant." Jesus answered: "So be it, Lord God of our fathers."
The Persecution of the Servants of God
18. 1. *Having said this, Jesus
said: "You have not chosen me, but I
have chosen you, that you may be my disciples. If then the
world shall hate you, you shall be truly my disciples; for
the world has been ever an enemy of servants of God.
Remember [the] holy prophets that have been slain by the
world, even as in the time of Elijah ten thousand prophets
were slain by Jezebel, insomuch that scarcely did poor
Elijah escape, and seven thousand sons of prophets who were
hidden by the captain of Ahab's host.
2. Oh, unrighteous world, that know
not God! Fear not therefore you, for the hairs of your head
are numbered so that they shall not perish. Behold the
sparrows and other birds, whereof falls not one feather
without the will of God. Shall God, then, have more care of
the birds than of man, for whose sake he has created
everything. Is there any man, perhaps, who cares more for
his shoes than for his own son? Assuredly not. Now how much
less ought you to think that God would abandon you, while
taking care of the birds! And why speak I of the birds? A
leaf of a tree falls not without the will of God.
3. "Believe me, because I tell you
the truth, that the world will greatly fear you if you shall
observe my words. For if it feared not to have its
wickedness revealed it would not hate you, but it fears to
be revealed, therefore it will hate you and persecute you.
If you shall see your words scorned by the world lay it not
to heart, but consider how that God is greater than you; who
is in such wise scorned by the world that his wisdom is
counted madness. If God endures the world with patience,
wherefore will you lay it to heart, O dust and clay of the
earth? In your patience you shall possess your soul.
4. Therefore if one shall give you
a blow on one side of the face, offer him the other that he
may smite it. Render not evil for evil, for so do all the
worst animals but render good for evil, and pray God for
them that hate you. Fire is not extinguished with fire, but
rather with water; even so I say to you that you shall not
overcome evil with evil, but rather with good. Behold God,
who causes the sun to come upon the good and evil, and
likewise the rain. So ought you to do good to all; for it is
written in the Law: "Be you
holy, for I your God am holy; be you pure, for I am pure;
and be you perfect, for I am perfect."
5. Truly I say to you that the
servant studies to please his master, and so he puts not on
any garment that is displeasing to his master. Your garments
are your will and your love. Beware, then, not to will or to
love a thing that is displeasing to God, our Lord. Be you
sure that God hates the pomps and lusts of the world, and
therefore hate you the world."
Jesus Foretells the Betrayal
19. 1. * When Jesus had said this,
Peter answered: "O teacher, behold we have felt all to
follow you, what shall become of us?" Jesus answered: "Truly you in the day of judgment shall sit
beside me, giving testimony against the twelve tribes of
Israel." And having said this Jesus sighed, saying:
"O Lord, what thing is this? for I
have chosen twelve, and one of them is a devil." The
disciples were sore grieved at this word; whereupon he
who writes - secretly questioned Jesus with tears,
saying: "O master, will Satan deceive me, and shall I then
become reprobate?"
2. Jesus answered: "Be not sore
grieved, Barnabas, for those whom God has chosen before the
creation of the world shall not perish. Rejoice, for your
name is written in the book of life." Jesus comforted
his disciples, saying: "Fear not, for
he who shall hate me is not grieved at my saying, because in
him is not the divine feeling." At his words the
chosen were comforted. Jesus made his prayers, and his
disciples said: "Amen, so be it, Lord God almighty and
merciful."
Jesus Heals Ten Lepers
3. *Having finished his devotions Jesus came down from the mountain
with his disciples, and met ten lepers, who from afar off
cried out: "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on us!" Jesus
called them near to him, and said to them: "What will you of me, O brethren?"
They all cried out: "Give us health!" Jesus answered: "Ah, wretched that you are, have you so lost
your reason for that you say: "Give us health?" See you not
me to be a man like yourselves. Call to our God that has
created you: and he that is almighty and merciful will heal
you. With tears the lepers answered: "We know that you are
man like us, but yet an holy one of God and a prophet of the
Lord; wherefore pray you to God, and he will heal us.
4. Thereupon the disciples prayed Jesus, saying: "Lord, have mercy upon them." Then
groaned Jesus and prayed to God, saying: "Lord God almighty and merciful, have mercy
and hearken to the words of your servant: and for love of
Abraham our father and for your holy covenant have mercy on
the request of these men, and grant them health."
Whereupon Jesus, having said this, turned himself to the
lepers and said: "Go and show yourselves to the priests
according to the Law of God."
5. The lepers departed, and on the way were cleansed.
Whereupon one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned
to find Jesus, and he was an Ishmaelite. And having found
Jesus he bowed himself, doing reverence to him, and saying:
"Truly you are an holy one of God" and with thanks he prayed
him that he would receive him for servant. Jesus answered:
"Ten have been cleansed; where are the
nine?" And he said to him that was cleansed: "I am not come to be served, but to serve; O
wherefore go to your home, and recount how much God has done
in you, in order that they may know that the promises made
to Abraham and his son, with the kingdom of God, are drawing
nigh." The cleansed leper departed, and having
arrived in his own neighbourhood recounted how much God
through Jesus had wrought in him.
THE SEA OF GALILEE / SAILED TO NAZARETH
The Calming of the Storm
20. 1. Jesus
went to the sea of Galilee, and having embarked in a ship
sailed to his city of Nazareth whereupon there was a
great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was near to
sinking. And Jesus was sleeping upon the prow of the ship.
Then drew near to him his disciples, and awoke him, saying:
"O master, save yourself, for we perish!" They were
encompassed with very great fear, by reason of the great
wind that was contrary and the roaring of the sea. Jesus
arose, and raising his eyes to heaven, said: "O Elohim Sabaoth, have mercy upon your
servants." Then, when Jesus had said this, suddenly
the wind ceased, and the sea became calm. Wherefore the
seamen feared, saying: "And who is this, that the sea and
the wind obey him?"
2. Having arrived at the city of Nazareth the seamen
spread through the city all that Jesus had wrought,
whereupon the house where Jesus was, was surrounded by as
many as dwelt in the city. And the scribes and doctors
having presented themselves to him, said: "We have heard how
much you have wrought in the sea and in Judea: give us
therefore some sign here in your own country."
3. * Jesus answered: "This
faithless generation seek a sign, but it shall not be given
them, because no prophet is received in his own country. In
the time of Elijah there were many widows in Judea, but he
was not sent to be nourished save to a widow of Sidon. Many
were the lepers in the time of Elisha in Judea; nevertheless
only Naaman the Syrian was cleansed." Then were the
citizens enraged and seized him and carried him on to the
top of a precipice to cast him down. But Jesus walking
through the midst of them, departed from them.
CAPERNAUM
The Demons & the Swine
21. 1. *Jesus went up to Capernaum, and as he
drew near to the city behold there came out of the tombs one
that was possessed of a devil, and in such wise that no
chain could hold him, and he did great harm to the man. The
demons cried out through his mouth, saying: "O holy one of
God, why are you come before the time to trouble us?" And
they prayed him that he would not cast them forth.
2. Jesus asked them how many they were. They answered:
"Six thousand six hundred and sixty-six." When the disciples
heard this they were affrighted, and prayed Jesus that he
would depart. Then Jesus said: "Where
is your faith? It is necessary that the demon should depart,
and not I." The demons therefore cried: "We will come
out, but permit us to enter into those swine." There were
feeding there, near to the sea, about ten thousand swine
belonging to the Canaanites.
3. Thereupon Jesus said: "Depart,
and enter into the swine." With a roar the demons
entered into the swine, and cast them headlong into the sea.
Then fled into the city they that fed the swine, and
recounted all that had been brought to pass by Jesus.
Accordingly the men of the city came forth and found Jesus
and the man that was healed. The men were filled with fear
and prayed Jesus that he would depart out of their borders.
Jesus accordingly departed from them
and went up into the parts of Tyre and Sidon.
"THE PARTS OF TYRE & SIDON"
The Woman of Canaan
4. *And lo! a woman of Canaan with her two sons, who had
come forth out of her own country to find Jesus. Having
therefore seen him come with his disciples, she cried out:
"Jesus, son of David, have mercy on my daughter, who is
tormented of the devil!" Jesus did not answer even a single
word, because they were of the uncircumcised people. The
disciples were moved to pity, and said: "O master, have pity
on them! Behold how much they cry out and weep!"
5. Jesus answered: "I am not sent
but to the people of Israel." Then the woman, with
her sons, went before Jesus, weeping and saying: "O son of
David, have mercy on me!" Jesus answered: "It is not good to take the bread from the
children's hands and give it to the dogs." And this
said Jesus by reason of their uncleanness, because they were
of the uncircumcised people.
6. The woman answered: "O Lord, the dogs eat the crumbs
that fall from their masters' table." Then was Jesus seized
with admiration at the words of the woman, and said: "O woman, great is your faith." And
having raised his hands to heaven he prayed to God, and then
he said: "O woman, your daughter is
freed, go your way in peace." The woman departed, and
returning to her home found her daughter, who was blessing
God. Wherefore the woman said: "Truly there is none other
God than the God of Israel." Whereupon all her kinsfolk
joined themselves to the Law of [God], according to the Law
written in the Book of Moses.
22. 1. The disciples questioned
Jesus on that day, saying: "O master, why did you answer the
woman [in that way], saying that they were dogs?" Jesus
answered: "Truly I say to you that a
dog is better than an uncircumcised man." Then the
disciples were sorrowful, saying: "These words are hard. Who
shall be able to receive them?"
2. Jesus answered: "If you
consider, O foolish ones, what the dog, that has no reason,
does for the service of his master, you will find my saying
to be true. Tell me, does the dog guard the house of his
master, and expose his life against the robber? Yes, surely.
But what [does] he receive? Many blows and injuries with [a]
little bread, and [yet] he always shows a joyful countenance
to his master. Is this true?" "It is true, O master,"
answered the disciples.
3. Then Jesus said: "Consider now
how much God has given to man, and you shall see how
unrighteous he is in not observing the covenant of God made
with Abraham his servant. Remember that which David said to
Saul king of Israel, against Goliath the Philistine: 'My
lord,' said David, 'while your servant was keeping your
servant's flock there came the wolf, the bear, and the lion
and seized your servant's sheep: so your servant went and
slew them, rescuing the sheep. And what is this
uncircumcised one but like to them? Therefore, will your
servant go in the name of the Lord God of Israel, and will
slay this unclean one that blasphemes the holy people of
God." Then the disciples said: "Tell us, O master,
for what reason man must be circumcised?" Jesus answered:
"Let it [be enough for] you that God
has commanded it to Abraham, saying: Abraham, circumcise your foreskin and that
of all your house, for this is a covenant between me and you
for ever."
"NEAR TO THE MOUNTAIN"
The Origin of Circumcision
23. 1. *And having said this,
Jesus sat near to the mountain which
they looked upon. And his disciples came to his side
to listen to his words. Then Jesus said: "Adam, the first man, having eaten, by [the]
fraud of Satan, the food forbidden of God in paradise, his
flesh rebelled against the spirit; whereupon he swore,
saying: "By God, I will cut you!" And having broken a piece
of rock, he seized his flesh to cut it with the sharp edge
of the stone: whereupon he was rebuked by the angel Gabriel.
And he answered: "I have sworn by God to cut it; I will
never be a liar!"
2. Then the angel showed him the
superfluity of his flesh, and that he cut off. And hence,
just as every man takes flesh from the flesh of Adam, so is
he bound to observe all that Adam promised with an oath.
This did Adam observe in his sons, and from generation to
generation came down the obligation of circumcision. But in
the time of Abraham there were but few circumcised upon the
earth, because that idolatry was multiplied up the earth.
Whereupon God told to Abraham the fact concerning
circumcision, and made this covenant, saying:
The soul that shall not have
his flesh circumcised, I will scatter him from among my
people for ever.
3. The disciples trembled with fear at these words of
Jesus, for with vehemence of spirit he spoke. Then Jesus
said: "Leave fear to him that has not
circumcised his foreskin, for he is deprived of
paradise." And having said this, Jesus spoke again,
saying: "The spirit in many is ready
in the service of God, but the flesh is weak. The man
therefore that fears God ought to consider what the flesh
is, and where it had its origin, and whereto it shall be
reduced. Of the clay of the earth created God flesh, and
into it he breathed the breath of life, with an inbreathing
therein. And therefore when the flesh shall hinder the
service of God it ought to be spurned like clay and trampled
on, forasmuch as he that hates his soul in this world shall
keep it in life eternal. What the flesh is at this present
its desires make manifest that it is a harsh enemy of all
good: for it alone desires sin.
4. "Ought then man for the sake of
satisfying one of his enemies to leave off pleasing God, his
creator? Consider you this. All the saints and prophets have
been enemies of their flesh for service of God: wherefore
readily and with gladness they went to their death, so as
not to offend against the Law of God given by Moses his
servant, and go and serve the false and lying Gods.
5. *'Remember Elijah, who fled
through desert places of the mountains, eating only grass,
clad in goats' skin. Ah, how many days he supped not! Ah,
how much cold he endured! Ah, how many showers drenched him,
and [that] for the space of seven years, wherein endured
that fierce persecution of the unclean Jezebel!
6. 'Remember Elisha, who ate
barley-bread, and wore the coarsest raiment. Truly I say to
you that they, not fearing to spurn the flesh, were feared
with great terror by the king and princes. This should
suffice for the spurning of the flesh, O men. But if you
will gaze at the sepulchres, you shall know what the flesh
is."
24. 1. Having said this, Jesus
wept, saying: "Woe to those who are
servants to their flesh, for they are sure not to have any
good in the other life, but only torments for their sins.
The Rich Man & Lazarus
2. I tell you that there was a rich
glutton who paid no heed to aught but gluttony, and so every
day held a splendid feast. There stood at his gate a poor
man by name Lazarus, who was full of wounds, and was fain to
have those crumbs that fell from the glutton's table. But no
one gave them to him; no, all mocked him. Only the dogs had
pity on him, for they licked his wounds. It came to pass
that the poor man died, and the angels carried him to the
arms of Abraham our father. The rich man also died, and the
devils carried him to the arms of Satan, whereupon
undergoing the greatest torment, he lifted up his eyes and
from afar saw Lazarus in the arms of Abraham. Then cried the
rich man: "O father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send
Lazarus, who upon his fingers may bring me a drop of water
to cool my tongue, which is tormented in this flame."
3. 'Abraham answered: "Son,
remember that you received your good in the other life and
Lazarus his evil; wherefore now you shall be in torment, and
Lazarus in consolation." 'The rich man cried out again,
saying: "O father Abraham, in my house there are three
brethren of mine. Therefore send Lazarus to announce to them
how much I am suffering, in order that they may repent and
not come hither." 'Abraham answered: "They have Moses and
the prophets, let them hear them. 'The rich man answered:
"No father Abraham but if one dead shall arise they will
believe." 'Abraham answered: "Whoever believes not Moses and
the prophets will not believe even the dead if they should
arise."
4. *"See then whether the poor are
blessed," said Jesus, "who have
patience, and only desire that which is necessary, hating
the flesh. O wretched they, who bear others to the burial,
to give their flesh for food of worms, and d I o not learn
the truth. So far from it that they live here like
immortals, for they build great houses and purchase great
revenues and live in pride."
On Contempt of the Flesh
25. 1. Then he who writes said:
"O master, your words are true, and therefore we have
forsaken everything to follow you. Tell us, then, how should
we hate our flesh; for it is not lawful to kill oneself, and
living, we must give [flesh] its livelihood."
2. Jesus answered: "Keep your flesh
like a horse, and you shall live securely. For food is given
to a horse by measure, and labour without measure, and the
bridle is put on him that he will walk at your will, he is
tied up [so] that he will not annoy any one, he is kept in a
poor place, and beaten when he is not obedient: so do you,
then, O Barnabas, and you shall always live with God. And do
not be offended at my words, for David the prophet did the
same thing, as he confesses, saying: I am as an horse before you: and am always
by you.
3. Tell, me, who is poorer, he who
is content with little, or he who desires much? Truly I say
to you, if the world had a sound mind no one would amass
anything for himself, but everything would be in common. But
in this [we know the world's] madness, that the more it
amasses the more it desires. And as much as it amasses, for
the fleshly repose of others it amasses the same. Therefore
let one single robe suffice for you, cast away your purse,
carry no wallet, no sandals on your feet; and do not think,
saying: 'What shall happen to us?' but [only] think of doing
the will of God, and he will provide for your needs so that
you shall lack nothing.
4. Truly I say to you, that
amassing much in this life gives sure witness of having
nothing to receive in the other. For he that has Jerusalem
for his native country does not build houses in Samaria
since there is enmity between these cities. Do you
understand?" "Yes," answered the disciples.
Parable of the Treasure
in the Field
26. 1. * Then Jesus said: "There was a man on a journey who, as he was
walking, discovered a treasure in a field that was to be
sold for five pieces of money. Straightway the man, when he
knew this, sold his cloak to buy that field. Is that
credible?" The disciples answered: "He who would not
believe this is mad."
2. Thereupon Jesus said: "You will
be mad if you do not give your senses to God to buy your
soul in which resides the treasure of love; for love is an
incomparable treasure. For he that loves God has God for his
own; and whoever has God has everything." Peter
answered: "O master, how can one love God with true love?
Tell us."
3. * Jesus replied: "Truly I say to
you that he who shall not hate his father and his mother,
and his own life, and children and wife for love of God,
such is not worthy to be loved of God." Peter
answered: "O master, it is written in the Law of God in the
Book of Moses: Honour your father, that you may live long
upon the earth. And further he says: Cursed be the
son that obeys not his father and his mother" God
commanded that such a disobedient son should be stoned by
the wrath of the people before the gate of the city. [Why]
do you bid us to hate father and mother?"
4. Jesus replied: "Every word of
mine is true, because it is not mine, but God's, who has
sent me to the House of Israel. Therefore I say to you that
all that which you possess God has bestowed it upon you: and
so, what is more precious, the gift or the giver? When your
father and your mother with every other thing is a stumbling
block to you in the service of God, abandon them as enemies.
Did not God say to Abraham: Go forth from the house of your father and
of your kindred, and come to dwell in the land which I will
give to you and to your seed? Why did God say this, except that the father
of Abraham was an image-maker, who made and worshipped false
Gods? [For this reason] there was enmity between them, such
that the father wished to burn his son." Peter
answered: "Your words are true. I pray you tell us how
Abraham mocked his father."
5. Jesus replied: "Abraham was
seven years old when he began to seek God. So one day he
said to his father: 'Father, what made man?' The foolish
father answered: 'Man [made man]; for I made you, and my
father made me.' Abraham answered: 'Father, it is not so;
for I have heard an old man weeping and saying: 'O my God,
why have you not given me children?'' His father replied:
'It is true, my son, that God helps man to make man, but he
does not put his hands to [the task]; it is only necessary
that man come to pray to his God and to give him lambs and
sheep, and his God will help him.' Abraham answered: 'How
many Gods are there, father?' The old man replied: 'They are
infinite in number, my son.'
6. Then Abraham said: 'O father,
what shall I do if I serve one God and another [God] wishes
me evil because I do not serve him? In any case discord will
come between them, and so war will arise among the Gods. And
if, perhaps, the God that wills me evil shall slay my own
God, what shall I do? It is certain that he will slay me
also. The old man, laughing, answered: "O son, have no fear,
for no God makes war upon another God; no, in the great
temple there are a thousand Gods with the great God Baal;
and I am now near seventy years old, and yet never have I
seen that one God has smitten another God. And assuredly all
men do not serve one God, but one man one, and
another."
7. Abraham answered: "So, then,
they have peace among themselves?" Said his father: "They
have." Then said Abraham: "O father, what be the Gods like?"
The old man answered: "Fool, every day I make a God, which I
sell to others to buy bread, and you know not what the Gods
are like!" And then at that moment he was making an idol.
"This," said he, "is of palm wood, that one is of olive,
that little one is of ivory: see how fine it is! Does it not
seem as though it were alive? Assuredly, it lacks but
breath!"
8. Abraham answered: "And so,
father, the Gods are without breath? Then how do they give
breath? And being without life, how give they life? It is
certain, father, that these are not God." The old man was
wroth at these words, saying: "If you were of age to
understand, I would break your head with this axe: But hold
your peace, because you have not understanding!" Abraham
answered: "Father, if the Gods help to make man, how can it
be that man should make the Gods? And if the Gods are made
of wood, it is a great sin to burn wood. But tell me,
father, how is it that, when you have made so many Gods, the
Gods have not helped you to make so many other children that
you should become the most powerful man in the
world?"
9. The father was beside himself,
hearing his son speak so; the son went on: "Father, was the
world for some time without men?" Yes," answered the old
man, "and why?" "Because," said Abraham, "I should like to
know who made the first God." "Now go out of my house!" said
the old man, "and leave me to make this God quickly, and
speak no words to me; for, when you are hungry you desire
bread and not words." Said Abraham: "A fine God, truly, that
you cut him as you will, and he defends not himself!" Then
the old man was angry, and said: "All the world says that it
is a God, and you, mad fellow, say that it is not. By my
Gods, if you were a man I could kill you!" And having said
this, he gave blows and kicks to Abraham, and chased him
from the house."
27. 1. The disciples laughed over
the madness of the old man, and stood amazed at the prudence
of Abraham. But Jesus reproved them, saying: "You have forgotten the words of the prophet,
who says: Present laughter
is a herald of weeping to come, and further, You shall not go where is laughter, but sit
where they weep, because this life passes in
miseries." Then
Jesus said, "In the time of Moses,
know you not that for laughing and mocking at others God
turned into hideous beasts many men of Egypt? Beware that in
anywise you laugh not at any one, for you shall surely weep
[for it]."
2. The disciples answered: "We laughed over the madness
of the old man." Then Jesus said: "Truly I say to you, every like loves his
like, and therein finds pleasure. Therefore, if you were not
mad you would not laugh at madness. They answered:
"My God have mercy on us. Jesus said: "So be it."
Abraham Destroys the Idols
3. Then said Philip: "O master, how came it to pass that
Abraham's father wished to burn his son?" Jesus answered:
"One day, Abraham having come to the
age of twelve years, his father said to him: "Tomorrow is
the festival of all the Gods; therefore we shall go to the
great temple and bear a present to my God, great Baal. And
you shall choose for yourself a God, for you are of age to
have a God."
4. Abraham answered with guile:
"Willingly, O my father." And so betimes in the morning they
went before every one else to the temple. But Abraham bare
beneath his tunic an axe hidden. Whereupon, having entered
into the temple, as the crowd increased Abraham hid himself
behind an idol in a dark part of the temple. His father,
when he departed, believed that Abraham had gone home before
him, wherefore he did not stay to seek him.
28. 1. When every one had departed from the
temple, the priests closed the temple and went away. Then
Abraham took the axe and cut off the feet of all the idols,
except the great God Baal. At its feet he placed the axe,
amid the ruins which the statues made, for they, through
being old and composed of pieces, fell in pieces. Thereupon,
Abraham, going forth from the temple, seen by certain men,
who suspected him of having gone to thieve something from
the temple. So they laid hold on him, and having arrived at
the temple, when they saw their Gods so broken in pieces,
they cried out with lamentation: "Come quickly, O men, and
let us slay him who has slain our Gods!" There ran together
there about ten thousand men, with the priests, and
questioned Abraham of the reason why he had destroyed their
Gods.
2. Abraham answered: "You are
foolish! Shall then a man slay God? It is the great God that
has slain them. See you not that axe which he has near his
feet? Certain it is that he desires no fellows." Then
arrived there the father of Abraham, who, mindful of the
many discourses of Abraham against their Gods, and
recognizing the axe wherewith Abraham had broken in pieces
the idols, cried out: "It has been this traitor of a son of
mine, who has slain our Gods! for this axe is mine." And he
recounted to them all that had passed between him and his
son. Accordingly the men collected a great quantity of wood,
and having bound Abraham's hands and feet put him upon the
wood, and put fire underneath.
3. *'Lo! God, through his angel,
commanded the fire that it should not burn Abraham his
servant. The fire blazed up with great fury, and burned
about two thousand men of those who had condemned Abraham to
death. Abraham truly found himself free, being carried by
the angel of God near to the house of his father, without
seeing who carried him; and thus Abraham escaped
death."
God Revealed to Abraham
29. 1. Then Philip said: "Great is
the mercy of God upon whoever loves him. Tell us, O master,
how Abraham came to [have] the knowledge of God." Jesus
answered: "Having arrived near to the
house of his father, Abraham feared to go into the house; so
he removed [himself] some distance from the house and sat
under a palm tree, where, being by himself, he said:"There
must be a God who has life and power more than man, since he
makes man, and man without God could not make man."
2. Thereupon, looking round upon
the stars, the moon, and the sun, he thought that they had
been God. But after considering their variableness with
their movements, he said: "It must be [necessarily] that God
does not move and that clouds do not hide him [as they hide
the planets]; otherwise men would be reduced to nothing."
Remaining thus in suspense, he heard himself called by name,
"Abraham!" And so, turning round and not seeing any one on
any side, he said: "I am sure I heard myself called by name,
'Abraham. " Then, two other times in a similar manner, he
heard himself called by name, "Abraham!"
3. He answered: "What calls me?"
Then he heard [the voice] say: "I am the angel of God,
Gabriel." Abraham was filled with fear; but the angel
comforted him, saying: "Do not fear, Abraham, for you are
friend of God When you broke in pieces the Gods of men, you
were chosen [by] the God of the angels and prophets such
that you are written in the Book of Life." Then said
Abraham: "What should I do [so as] to serve the God of the
angels and holy prophets?" The angel answered: "Go to that
fount and wash yourself, for God wishes to speak with
you."
4. Abraham answered: "How should I
wash myself?" Then the angel appeared to him as a beautiful
youth, and washed himself in the fount, saying: "Do the same
as this, O Abraham." When Abraham had washed himself, the
angel said: "Go up that mountain, for God wilshes to speak
to you there." Abraham ascended the mountain as the angel
[had instructed him], and having sat down upon his knees he
said to himself: "When will the God of the angels speak to
me?" He heard himself called with a gentle voice: "Abraham!"
Abraham answered him: "Who calls me?" The voice answered: "I
am your God, O Abraham."
5. Abraham, filled with fear, bent
his face to earth, saying: "How shall your servant who is
dust and ashes hearken to you!" Then said God: "Fear not,
but rise up, for I have chosen you as my servant, and I will
bless you and make you increase into a great people.
Therefore go forth from the house of your father and of your
kindred, and come to dwell in the land which I will give to
you and to your seed."
6. Abraham answered: "I will do
everything, Lord; but guard me [so] that no other God may
harm me." Then God spoke, saying: "I am God alone, and there
is none other God but me. I strike down, and make whole; I
slay, and give life; I lead down to hell, and I bring out
thereof, and no-one is able to deliver himself out of my
hands." Then God gave him the covenant of circumcision; and
so our father Abraham knew God." And having said
this, Jesus lifted up his hands, saying: "To you be honour and glory, O God. So be
it!"
JERUSALEM
The Great Commandment
30. 1. * Jesus went to Jerusalem, near to the
Senofegia, a feast of our nation . The scribes and
Pharisees having perceived this, took counsel to catch him
in his talk. Whereupon, there came to him a doctor, saying:
"Master, what must I do to have eternal life?" Jesus
answered: "How is it written in the
Law?" The tempter answered, saying: "Love the Lord
your God, and your neighbour. You shall love your God above
all things, with all your heart and your mind, and your
neighbour as yourself." Jesus answered: "You have answered well: therefore go and do
you so, I say, and you shall have eternal life." He
said to him: "And who is my neighbour?"
The Good Samaritan
2. Jesus answered, lifting up his eyes: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to go to
Jericho, a city rebuilt under a curse. This man on the road
was seized by robbers, wounded and stripped; whereupon they
departed, leaving him half dead. It chanced that a priest
passed by that place, and he, seeing the wounded man, passed
on without greeting him. In like manner passed a Levite,
without saying a word. It chanced that there passed [also] a
Samaritan, who, seeing the wounded man, was moved to
compassion, and alighted from his horse, and took the
wounded man and washed his wounds with wine, and anointed
them with ointment, and binding up his wounds for him and
comforting him, he set him upon his own horse.
3. Whereupon, having arrived in the
evening at the inn, he gave him into the charge of the host.
And when he had risen on the morrow, he said: "Take care of
this man, and I will pay you all." And having presented four
gold pieces to the sick man for the host, he said: "Be of
good cheer, for I will speedily return and conduct you to my
own home." "Tell me," said Jesus, "which of these was the neighbour?"
The doctor answered: "He who showed mercy." Then Jesus said:
"You have answered rightly; therefore
go and do you likewise." The doctor departed in
confusion.
The Tribute to Caesar
31. 1. Then drew near to Jesus the
priests, and said: "Master, is it lawful to give tribute to
Caesar?" Jesus turned round to Judas, and said: "Have you any money?" And taking a
penny in his hand, Jesus turned himself to the priests, and
said to them: "This penny has an
image: tell me, whose image is it?" They answered:
"Caesar"s". "Give therefore,"
said Jesus, "that which is Caesar's to
Caesar, and that which is God's give it to God." Then
they departed in confusion.
Jesus Heals the Centurion's Son
2. *And behold there drew near a centurion, saying:
"Lord, my son is sick; have mercy on my old age!" Jesus
answered: "The Lord God of Israel have
mercy on you!" The man was departing; and Jesus said:
"Wait for me, for I will come to your
house, to make prayer over your son." The centurion
answered: "Lord, I am not worthy that you, a prophet of God,
should come to my house, sufficient to me is the word that
you have spoken for the healing of my son; for your God has
made you lord over every sickness, even as his angel said to
me in my sleep."
3. Then Jesus marvelled greatly, and turning to the
crowd, he said: "Behold this stranger,
for he has more faith than all that I have found in
Israel." And turning to the centurion, he said:
"Go in peace, because God, for the
great faith that he has given you, has granted health to
your son." The centurion went his way, and on the
road he met his servants, who announced to him how his son
was healed. The man answered: "At what hour did the fever
leave him?" They said: "Yesterday, at the sixth hour, the
heat departed from him."
4. The man knew that when Jesus said: "The Lord God of Israel have mercy on
you," his son received his health. *Whereupon the man
believed in our God, and having entered into his house, he
brake in pieces all his own Gods, saying: "There is only the
God of Israel, the true and living God." Therefore said he:
"None shall eat of my bread that does not worship the God of
Israel."
Supper in the Lawyer's House
32. 1. *One
skilled in the Law invited Jesus to supper, in order to
tempt him. Jesus came thither with his disciples, and many
scribes, to tempt him, waited for him in the house.
Whereupon, the disciples sat down to table without washing
their hands. The scribes called Jesus, saying: "Wherefore do
not your disciples observe the traditions of our elders, in
not washing their hands before they eat bread?" Jesus
answered: "And I ask you, for what
cause have you annulled the precept of God to observe your
traditions? You say to the sons of poor fathers: "Offer and
make vows to the Temple."
2. And they make vows of that
little wherewith they ought to support their fathers. And
when their fathers wish to take money, the sons cry out:
"This money is consecrated to God"; whereby the fathers
suffer. O false scribes, hypocrites, does God use this
money? Assuredly not, for God eats not, as he says by his
servant David the prophet: Shall I then eat the flesh of bulls and
drink the blood of sheep? Render to me the sacrifice of
praise, and offer to me your vows; for if I should be hungry
I will not ask aught of you, seeing that all things are in
my hands, and the abundance of paradise is with
me. Hypocrites! you do this
to fill your purse, and therefore you tithe rue and
mint.
3. Oh miserable ones! for to others
you show the most clear way, by which you will not go. 'You
scribes and doctors lay upon the shoulders of others weights
of unbearable weight, but you yourselves the while are not
willing to move them with one of your fingers. Truly I say
to you, that every evil has entered into the world under the
pretext of the elders. Tell me, who made idolatry to enter
into the world, if not the usage of the elders? For there
was a king who exceedingly loved his father, whose name was
Baal.
4. Whereupon, when the father was
dead, his son for his own consolation, caused to be made an
image like to his father, and set it up in the market-place
of the city. And he made a decree that every one who
approached that statue within a space of fifteen cubits
should be safe, and no one any account should do him hurt.
Hence the malefactors, by reason of the benefit they
received therefrom, began to offer to the statue roses and
flowers, and in a short time the offerings were changed into
money and food, insomuch that they called it God, to honour
it. Which thing from custom was transformed into a law,
insomuch that the idol of Baal spread through all the world;
and how much does God lament this by the prophet Isaiah,
saying: "Truly this people
worships me in vain, for they have annulled my Law given to
them by my servant Moses, and follow the traditions of their
elders.
5. Truly I say to you, that to eat
bread with unclean hands defiles not a man, because that
which enters into the man defiles not the man, but that
which comes out of the man defiles the man."
Thereupon, said one of the scribes: "If I shall eat pork, or
other unclean meats, will they not defile my conscience?"
Jesus answered: "Disobedience will not
enter into the man, but will come out of the man, from his
heart; and therefore will he be defiled when he shall eat
forbidden food."
6. Then said one of the doctors: "Master, you have spoken
much against idolatry as though the people of Israel had
idols, and so you have done us wrong." Jesus answered:
"I know well that in Israel today
there are not statues of wood; but there are statues of
flesh." Then answered all the scribes in wrath: "And
so we are idolaters?" Jesus answered: "Truly I say to you, the precept says not
"You shall worship", but "You shall love the Lord your God
with all your soul, and with all your heart, and with all
your mind." Is this true?" said Jesus. "It is true"
answered every one.
The House in Ruin
33. 1. Then Jesus said: "Truly all that which a man loves, for which
he leaves everything else but that, is his God. And so the
fornicator has for his image the harlot, the glutton and
drunkard has for image his own flesh, and the covetous has
for his image silver and gold, and so likewise every other
sinner." Then said he who had invited him: "Master,
which is the greatest sin?"
2. * Jesus answered: "Which is the
greatest ruin of a house?" Every one was silent, when
Jesus with his finger pointed to the foundation, and said:
"If the foundation give way,
immediately the house falls in ruin, in such wise that it is
necessary to build it up anew: but if every other part give
way it can be repaired. Even so then say I to you, that
idolatry is the greatest sin, because it deprives a man
entirely of faith, and consequently of God; so that he can
have no spiritual affection. But every other sin leaves to
man the hope of obtaining mercy: and therefore I say that
idolatry is the greatest sin." All stood amazed at
the speaking of Jesus, for they perceived that it could not
in any wise be assailed.
3. Then Jesus continued: "Remember
that which God spoke and which Moses and Joshua wrote in the
Law, and you shall see how grave is this sin. Said God,
speaking to Israel: "You
shall not make to yourself any image of those things which
are in heaven nor of those things which are under the
heaven, nor shall you make it of those things which are
above the earth, nor of those which are under the earth; nor
of those which are above the water, nor of those which are
under the water. For I am your God, strong and jealous, who
will take vengeance for this sin upon the fathers and upon
their children even to the fourth generation."
4. *Remember how, when our people
had made the calf, and when they had worshipped it, by
commandment of God Joshua and the tribe of Levi took the
sword and slew of them one hundred and twenty thousand of
those that did not crave mercy of God. Oh, terrible judgment
of God upon the idolaters!"
The Man with the Withered Hand
34. 1. * There stood before the
door one who had his right hand shrunken in such fashion
that he could not use it. Whereupon Jesus, having lift up
his heart to God, prayed, and then said: "In order that you may know that my words are
true, I say, "In the name of God, man, stretch out your
infirm hand! " He stretched it out whole, as if it
had never had anything wrong with it.
2. Then with fear of God they began to eat. And having
eaten somewhat, Jesus said again: "Truly I say to you, that it were better to
burn a city than to leave an evil custom. For on account of
such is God wroth with the princes and kings of the earth,
to whom God has given the sword to destroy
iniquities."
3. Afterwards said Jesus: "When you
are invited, remember not to set yourself in the highest
place, in order that if a greater friend of the host come
the host say not to you: "Arise and sit lower down!' which
were a shame to you. But go and sit in the meanest place, in
order that he who invited you may come and say: "Arise,
friend, and come and sit here, above!" For then shall you
have great honour: for every one that exalts himself shall
be humbled, and he that humbles himself shall be
exalted.
4. Truly I say to you, that Satan
became not reprobate for any other sin than for his pride.
Even as says the prophet Isaiah;, reproaching him with these
words: "How are you fallen
from heaven, O Lucifer, that were the beauty of the angels,
and did shine like the dawn: truly to earth is fallen your
pride!"
5. Truly I say to you, that if a
man knew his miseries, he would always weep here on earth
and account himself most mean, beyond every other thing. For
no other cause did the first man with his wife weep for a
hundred years without ceasing, craving mercy of God. For
they knew truly where they had fallen through their
pride."
6. And having said this, Jesus gave thanks; and that day
it was published through Jerusalem how great things Jesus
had said, with the miracle he had wrought, insomuch that the
people gave thanks to God blessing his holy name.
7. But the scribes and priests, having understood that he
spoke against the traditions of the elders, were kindled
with greater hatred. And like Pharaoh they hardened their
heart: wherefore they sought occasion to slay him, but found
it not.