LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, BT3QI ©(pp. iijjnjrigl?t If o. Shelf ,X-it UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. H Series of l&oohe on tbe Xife of Cbrist, BY KEY. G. J. KEPHART, A.M. Zbc %\tc of Jesus for Cbiioretu A series of questions on the leading facts in the life of Christ, simply stated, with the answers in simple language as nearly like that of the Bible as possible. The Scripture reference is always given, so that older children may search for themselves. The incidents are arranged in chronological order. Admirably adapted for use at home, in the Sunday school, in Junior young people's societies, or in any class for the teaching of Bible truth to children. 18mo. Clearly printed, bound in tough paper. Price, 15 cents each, postpaid ; per dozen, $1.20. 5e8U6 tbe 1Ra3arene. A Life of Jesus, with a Parallel Harmony of the Gospels. This is the story of Christ's life arranged in chronological order. It is divided into chapters indicating the years of his work. The style is clear, the method of treatment excellent. The unique feature is the arrangement of the harmony and the references to the corresponding Scripture passage by columns in the margin. At a glance the reader can tell exactly in what portion of the Gospels he may find the narra- tive. The author very clearly explains the important questions regarding the dates of Jesus' life, the length of his ministry, etc. Dr. C. R. Blackall, of the Baptist Church, furnishes an introduction. The book includes an appendix containing a brief dictionary of places, people, and institutions of Palestine mentioned in the Gospels, a general index, and a Scripture index. Handsomely printed and bound in cloth. Price, 50 cents net, postpaid. £be iPublic Xife of Gbtist. A chart and map of Palestine so combined as to present to the mind, by the aid of the eye, both the chronology and the geography, and thus the mutual relation of all the recorded events, of the public life of our Saviour, along with a graphic harmony of the Gospels cover- ing the same period ; folded and bound with a complete manual, con- venient for pocket carriage. This chart includes a map of Palestine, showing the name and location of all the loading divisions, towns, cities, and places visited by Jesus during his public life. By means of circles, connecting bands, and changes in color, wfeich are very easily understood, all the events and incidents in the public life of Christ are shown in their proper relation as to time and place. This is a unique book, entirely different from anything else ever snown. Price, cloth, 75 cents ; leather, $1.00 ; wall edition, $1.25. For any of the above, address W. J. SHUEY, Publisher, DAYTON, OHIO. Jesus the Nazarene A BRIEF LIFE OF OUR SAVIOUR, WITH ".- - A PARALLEL HARMONY BY REV. C. j/jCEPHART, A.M. Author of "The Public Life of Christ," and "Life of Jesus for Children" WITH INTRODUCTION BY REV. C R. BLACKALL m 7 1894 v -2 / Dayton, Ohio W. J. Shuey, Publisher 1894 Copyright, 1894, By W. J. Shuey, Publisher. All rights reserved. 3T30\ Washington SO > TO effector cmb jKtotljBr, WHO FOR MANY YEARS WALKED HAND IN HAND WITH THE LIVING CHRIST AND WHOSE LIVES WERE AN INSPIRATION AND A BENEDICTION TO ALL WHO KNEW THEM, THESE PAGES ARE DEDICATED BY \z ^Irttljor. INTRODUCTION. If there were any need of evidence to prove the all-pervasiveness of the Name that is above every other name, and the power which that Name exercises the whole world over, it wonld be found in the continually increasing number of volumes that appear with Jesus Christ the Xazarene, Son of man and Son of God, as their subject. This latest contribution to the literature of a theme worthy of the angels' songs is timely, in view of the fact that in all lands where the International Lessons are used the God-man will be studied, in a course extending through an entire j'ear, his life and work being presented in chronological order. The name of Jesus Christ appears but little in contemporaneous history; hence we are limited as to sources of information. If the Gospels had been written in such order and completeness that a perfect biography could be constructed, the way would be clear; but the}- are manifestly very far from being full along certain directions knowledge in regard to which would give satisfaction to the careful inquirer. If they had been written each to supplement the others, there would still be a clear path and the possibility of definite agreement upon certain questions of fact concerning which there is divergence. The advantages of having four distinct and independent narratives of our Lord's work and teachings while in this world, however, are entirely evident. Xo one felt called to write a detailed life of the Master until the original sources of information had passed away forever. There can be no contention, then, as to authority in the matter, and we are shut up to a comparison of the four Gospels to ascertain and arrange the facts as best we may. Under the iii IV INTRODUCTION. circumstances it is not remarkable that questions should arise upon which wise men should differ, and hence criticism should result upon the best work that can be done; but fortunately these differences are not in any instance vital to the facts themselves, but only as to the sequence of the facts, while each writer, being fully convinced of the accuracy of his own investigations, may necessarily seem more or less dogmatic in statement. The study given by the author in the preparation of his excellent work, "The Public Iyife of Christ," fitted him well to tell this story of the life and work and teachings of Jesus the Christ; in fact, the one supplements the other so thor- oughly that they will no doubt be used much together. The arrangement whereby reference can at a glance be made to the several Gospels that state given facts will materially aid the general reader and the student, while the use of the Revised Version for quotations is an obvious advantage. The author has been wise in not cumbering his text with descriptions of persons and places, and thus interfering with the easy flow of the story; the appendix, however, supplies answers to queries sufficient for the time, until a Bible dictionary can be consulted for fuller details. The volume has been prepared with reference to the practical needs of busy people; hence the story is in outline, as a hand-book, but it will Stimulate thought and engender an earnest desire to delve yet deeper in the Gospel mine for the rich gems that may be gained by any one who will honestly seek; for in no regard is it more true than in this, that they who seek will surely find. C. R. Blackali,. Philadelphia, May, 1894. CONTENTS. PAGE. Introduction, - . - 3 CHAPTER I. Chronology of the Gospel Period. When Was Jesus Born? — When Was Jesus Baptized? — When Was Jesus Crucified? — Contemporaneous Events. 9 CHAPTER II. Introductory Period, b.c. 5 — a.d. 26. Birth of John the Baptist— Birth of Jesus— Flight to Egypt, and Return — Life at Nazareth. - 18 CHAPTER III. The First Public Year. a.d. 27. The "Voice in the Wilderness " — Baptism of Jesus — The Tempta- tion — First Disciples — First Miracle — First Visit to Caper- naum — At the Passover — Teaching in Judaea — At Jacob's Well — Second Visit to Can a. ------ 22 CHAPTER IV. The Second Public Year. a.d. 28. At "A Feast of the Jews" — Return to Galilee — First Rejection — At Capernaum — Pharisees Complain — Sermon on the Mount — Raised Widow's Son — John the Baptist's Inquiries — First Anointing — Scribes Complain — Numerous Parables — At Ger- gesa — At Levi's Feast — "The Hem of His Garment" — Jairus's Daughter — "The Son of David." - - - 26 v Vi CONTENTS. CHAPTER V. The Third Public Year. a.d. 29. page. Second Rejection — John the Baptist Beheaded — Five Thousand Fed— Walked on the Sea— "The Bread of Life" — In Gen- tile Territory — Through the Decapolis — Four Thousand Fed — In the Regions of Caesarea Philippi — Transfiguration — Paid Tribute— At the Feast of Tabernacles — " The First Stone" — "Who Did Sin?"— Return to Galilee— To Jeru- salem Again — Rejected by Samaritans — The Ten Eepers — The Seventy — Through Persea — At the Feast of Dedication. 35 CHAPTER VI. Three Months in Seclusion, a.d. 30. At Bethabara — Raised Lazarus at Bethany — At Ephraim — Started to Passover — At Jericho — Arrived at Bethany. 46 CHAPTER VII. Passion Week. Second Anointing — Triumphal Entry — Temple Cleansed — Taught in the Temple — Final Departure — I^ast Supper — Arrest — Trial — The Crucifixion— The Burial. - - - - 50 CHAPTER VIII. Resurrection, Appearances, and Ascension. Scenes at the Sepulcher — First Appearances — Thomas Convinced — At the Sea of Galilee — On a Mountain in Galilee — Ascen- sion. ___________ 63 APPENDIX. Palestine — Its Cities, People, and Institutions in the Time of Christ. 67 Generae Index, - 76 Scripture Index, 79 AUTHORITIES. In presenting this book to the public, I desire to state that in its preparation I was materially assisted by the following works: An- drews' "Life of Our Lord," Alford's "Greek Testament," Farrar's "Life of Christ," Edersheim's "The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah," Geikie's "Life and Words of Christ," McClintock and Strong's "Encyclopoedia," Thomson's "The Land and the Book," and Hurlbut's "Manual of Biblical Geography." In all quotations from Scripture the Revised Version is used. C. J. K. JESUS THE NAZARENE. CHAPTER I. Chronology of the Gospel Period. I. When Was Jesus Born ? The Gospels do not give the date. Only Matthew and Luke give any record of his birth. Matthew says (2:1) that it occurred " in the days of Herod the king." But as Herod ruled at least thirty-eight j^ears, this statement does not assist us to a definite date. Luke tells us (2:1-7) that Jesus was born while Joseph and Mary were at Bethlehem to be enrolled, in obedience to the decree of Augustus Caesar. But Augustus ordered three separate censuses of the empire to be taken, one in the year of Rome 726, one in 746, and one in 767. Which of these is the one referred to by Luke? The first is evidently too early, and the last just as evidently too late. Hence, we conclude that the census ordered by Augustus in 746 is the one referred to in Luke's Gospel. But as it required several years to complete the enrollment of the citizens of the empire, we do not from this datum reach a conclusion as to the year of the birth. We do, however, reach a date before which the birth of Jesus did not occur. That is, Jesus was not born earlier than a.u.c. 746, B.C. 8. Can we reach a date after which his birth did not occur ? Matthew tells us (2 : 15, 19) that the death of Herod occurred after the birth of Jesus. From statements made by Josephus, it is estimated that Herod died between March 13 and April 4, a.u.c. 750, B.C. 4, 1 Jesus being yet a child. This, then, gives a date after which Jesus was 1 See Andrews, p. i. 9 IO JESUS THE NAZARENE. not born. These data fix the period within which the birth of Jesus occurred; that is, between the Roman years 746 and 750. Beyond this, certainty cannot be reached. Data that will appear in the discussion of the second question in this chapter point to A.u.C. 749 as the year; that is, B.C. 5. As to the time of the year, we may get some help from Luke. He tells us (1 :5-i4) that the birth of John the Baptist was announced to Zacharias, a priest of the course of Abia, while he was in the discharge of his duties in the temple. The birth of John preceded the birth of Jesus by about six months (I^uke 1 : 36). If the birth of Jesus occurred in 749, this announcement must have been made to Zacharias not later than some time in 748. From Talmudical state- ments and from statements in Josephus, it is estimated that the course of Abia served in the temple, in the year 748, during the week April 17-23, and again in October, 3-9. 1 During one of these periods, therefore, we conclude that Zacharias received the promise of the birth of John. This puts the birth of Jesus, which occurred fifteen months after the annunciation to Zacharias, either near the middle of a.tj.c. 749, or in December of 749, or in January of 750. Tradition favors December, and there are no strong arguments against it. II. When Was Jesus Baptized? The Gospels give no specific reply. Matthew and Mark simply state (Matt. 3; Mark 1 : 1-10) that he was baptized during the min- istry of John the Baptist. John gives no account of the baptism of Jesus. I^uke says (3:1, 2) that "the word of God came unto John" "in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar." This marks the beginning of the ministry of John the Baptist as occurring in the fifteenth year of Tiberius's reign, John had probably been preaching some months when Jesus came to him for baptism. At the time of his baptism Jesus "began to be about thirty years of age" (Luke 3 123). When was the fifteenth year of Tiberius's reign? He became 1 Andrews, p. 13. CHRONOLOGY OF THE GOSPEL PERIOD. II associate ruler with his step-father, Augustus, in the year of Rome 764, and three years later became sole ruler. If in estimating his fifteenth year we count from 767, the year in which he became sole ruler, we shall reach 782 as his fifteenth year. Subtracting from this thirty j-ears, the age of Jesus at his baptism, we have 752 as the year of his birth. But we have seen above that the death of Herod, which occurred after the birth of Jesus, is not to be placed later than 750; hence, 752 cannot be, according to this estimate, the 3-ear of Jesus' birth, nor can 782 be the fifteenth 3-ear of Tiberius. But if in estimating the fifteenth 3-ear of Tiberius we count from the beginning of his associate reign, 764, then we reach 779 as his fifteenth year, and 749 as the year of the birth of Jesus, a date in full accord with all ascertained data. We therefore take 779 as the fifteenth 3-ear of Tiberius. John began baptizing at some time in this year; we do not know at just what time, probablj- during the summer shortly after having reached the age of thirty. We hence conclude that Jesus was baptized in the latter part of 779 or the beginning of 7S0, a.d. 26 or 2j. Tradition gives January 6 as the day of the month. III. When Was Jesus Crucified? The crucifixion occurred during the feast of the Passover, which came annual^ in the month of Xisan, corresponding with the moon of our March or April. This, however, determines neither the year, nor the day of the month, nor the day of the week. Friday is very general^ accepted as the day of the week, although some have argued for Thursda}-; their premises, however, are very unsatisfactory. The decision as to the day of the month depends upon the answer to another inquiry: Did the crucifixion occur before or after the eating of the Passover supper? John 13 : 1, in connection with what follows, seems to indicate that the supper there spoken of was eaten before the Passover; verse 29 speaks as though some preparation for the Passover yet remained to be made; John 18:28, referring to a time after Jesus and the disciples had eaten, seems to say that 12 JESUS THE NAZARENE. the Passover had not yet been eaten; John in 19 : 14, 31 speaks of the day of the crucifixion as "the Preparation of the passover." These statements taken by themselves would no doubt lead to the conclusion that the crucifixion occurred before the Passover supper. Turning to the other Gospels, we find statements quite different. Matthew 26 : 17-21, Mark 14:12-18, L,uke 22:7-15, all state with great clearness that the Passover was eaten by Jesus with his disciples, and hence, that it occurred before the crucifixion. It is not to be denied that there is in the Gospels a difference in statement upon this point; but that there is a contradiction in their statements does not follow. Different explanations have been given. Probably if we understood fully the use of terms by each of the Evangelists, we should have no difficulty in seeing that they agree, and that Jesus did eat the Passover before the crucifixion. The following suggestions may help to the solution of the difficulty: ( 1 ) The statement of John 13 : 1 does not necessarily denote a time in immediate chronological connection with the supper spoken of in the remainder of the chapter. (2) Verse 29 may mean that the disciples thought that Judas went out to get something for the remaining days of the feast, as the feasting continued during seven days. (3) The words, "the passover," of 18:28, may be used by John in a general sense to designate the feast of the entire week, and not technically of the Passover supper. (4) The expression of John 19:14, 31, "the Preparation of the passover," may mean the preparation day of the Passover week; that is, the day of the preparation for Sabbath of Passover week. 1 If Jesus did eat the Passover supper with his disciples, as the writer accepts, then the crucifixion occurred on 15th Nisan, because the Passover supper was always eaten on the evening of 14th Nisan after the slaying of the lamb on the afternoon of the same day. But this does not fix the year of the crucifixion. It is held that astronomical calculations show that between the years a.d. 25 and 35 only the years 27, 30, and 33 had 14th Nisan on Thursday. This 1 Andrews, pp. 465-481. CHRONOLOGY OF THE GOSPEL PERIOD. 13 argues strong^ for the year 30 as the year of the crucifixion, since 27 is too early and t>Z too late. But as the calendar was not so carefully kept then as now, this cannot be relied upon with cer- tainty. Are we assisted by Scripture statements relative to the length of Jesus' ministry? The Gospels do not give us any definite statement as to the length of time spent by Jesus in his public work. This has led to comparative research that has resulted in conclusions widely diverse. Neither Matthew, nor Mark, nor Luke gives any indications as to the length of Jesus' ministry. They do not mention his pres- ence in Judaea after his departure following the imprisonment of John the Baptist (Matt. 4:12; Mark 1:14; Luke 4:14) until his return to the crucifixion (Matt. 20:17; Mark 10:32; Luke 18:31); nor do the}- give an}- indication as to the length of time intervening between his baptism and the arrest of John. They make no refer- ence to any feast during his ministry except the Passover at the close of his life. John gives quite a different record, and yet he does not clearly answer our inquiry. He says nothing of the baptism or temptation of Jesus, but speaks of events intimately connected therewith. He records two journeys from Judaea to Galilee (John 1 :43 and 4:3), with a third clearly implied (compare John 5 with 6:1). He also names three journe3'S to Jerusalem, not including the journey to his baptism (John 2:13; 5:1; 7:10). These all seem to have been from Galilee. He also speaks of six feasts that occurred during his public life: three Passovers (John 2:13; 6:4; 12:1 and following); one feast of Tabernacles (John 7); one feast of Dedication (John 10: 22); and one feast the name of which he does not give (John 5:1). If from any of these data we are to gain help in deciding the length of our Lord's ministry, it must be from the statements respecting the Passover, as this is the only feast repeated; the others might all have occurred within one year. If we can decide definitely the number of Passovers during his ministry, we can 14 JESUS THE NAZARENE. decide the length of the ministry, as the Passover occurred annually. If there were three Passovers, his public life must have covered at least two years and a few months, since he was baptized some- time before the first Passover named during his public life (John i : 26-33; 2:1 3)- Although three Passovers are named by John, some hold that there were only two, explaining the words, "the pass- over," of John 6:4, as a gloss, and holding that the feast there named was identical with the feast of Tabernacles mentioned in John 7. This would reduce his ministry to one year and a few months, as some hold. But the theory is untenable, and now generally abandoned. But were there only three Passovers? The answer to this depends largely upon our interpretation of John 5:1. What feast was this "feast of the Jews," the name of which John does not give? They had a number of feasts — Purim, in March; Passover, in March- April; Pentecost, in May; Tabernacles, in October; Dedication, in December; Trumpets, which occurred monthly; and Wood-gathering, which occurred several times in the year, if nothing else were necessary to meet the conditions than that the gathering be a feast, then any one of these might be the one referred to in John 5:1. If the one there named was any one except a Passover, then it would be possible to give an arrangement which would put all the events of the Saviour's public life within two years and a fraction. If it was a Passover, then three years and a fraction are necessary, as this will give four Passovers. Can we decide what feast this was? It evidently occurred between the Passover of John 2 : 13 and that named in John 6 : 4. Between these feasts occurred also the Judaean ministry of Jesus (John 3 : 22 ). It is very generally held that this ministry occupied several months; that is, that it began very soon after the Passover of a.d. 2j, and continued till about November or December of the same year. If this be correct, then the feast of 5 : 1 could not have been either Pentecost or Tabernacles of that year, as Jesus very evidently "went up" to this feast from CHRONOLOGY OF THE GOSPEL PERIOD. 15 Galilee after the Judaean ministry had closed. There have been no advocates for Dedication, and very few for either of the minor feasts, as they were gatherings of little significance. This would render it probable that the feast of John 5 : 1 was either Purim or Passover of a.d. 28. A number of able writers have held for Purim, 1 most of whom estimate the length of Jesus' ministry at two years and a fraction. This was, however, also a feast of minor importance, having originated in Persia, not by divine appointment, but in commemoration of the preservation of the Jews from the plots of Haman; it is not certain that this feast was largely attended by the Jews. Other writers of equal eminence prefer Passover, 2 as it was the great feast of the Jewish nation, and was more largely attended than slvlj of the others. Accepting Passover, we have three 3-ears and three months as the length of time occupied by our Lord in his ministry, a period more in harmony with the work done by him than one either shorter or longer. This also brings the crucifixion in the year 30, in harmony with conclusions already reached. What was the hour of the crucifixion ? Mark says (15 : 25), "And it was the third hour, and they crucified him." John says (19: 14), referring to the close of the trial of Jesus, "It was .... about the sixth hour." This difference of statement has given rise to much discussion, and to various expla- nations, none of which are entirety satisfactory. The time given by Mark — the third hour, about 9 a.m —most fully harmonizes with all the narrated circumstances. Restating conclusions, we have the following dates quite satisfac- torily determined: — Jesus was born December, A.u.c. 749, B.C. 5. He was baptized either late a.u.c. 779, a.d. 26, or early a.u.c. 780, A.D. 2J. The crucifixion occurred 9 a.m., Xisan 15, April 7, a.u.c. 783, a.d. 30. 1 Teschendorf, Meyer, Wieseler, Farrar, Weiss, and others. 2 Lightfoot, Grotius, Greswell, Wordsworth, Weitbrecht, Andrews, and others. l6 JESUS THE NAZARENK. IV. Contemporaneous Events. Palestine became subject to Rome B.C. 63, and so remained until the dissolution of the empire. Augustus Caesar reigned B.C. 30 to a.d. 14. Tiberius Caesar succeeded him, and reigned a.d. 14 to a.d. 37. Herod the Great was made king of all Palestine b.c. 40, and reigned until his death, a.d. 4. At his death his kingdom was divided among his three sons. Archelaus received Judaea and Sama- ria, with the title of ethnarch, and ruled until a.d. 6, when he was banished to Vienna, in Gaul. Herod Antipas received Galilee and Peraea, with the title of tetrarch, and ruled until a.d. 38, when he was banished to Lyons, in Gaul; later he removed to Spain, where he died. Herod Philip received the Bashan district, all east of the Jordan except Peraea, with the title of tetrarch, and ruled until his death, in a.d. 34. After the banishment of Archelaus, Judaea and Samaria were annexed directly to the empire, as part of the province of Syria, and were governed by the following procurators: Coponius, a.d. 6-9; Marcus Ambivius, a.d. 9-12; Annius Rufus, a.d. 12-15; Vale- rius Gratus, a.d. 15-26; Pontius Pilate, a.d. 26-36, with others fol- lowing down to the destruction of the city, a.d. 70. These data furnish us the following facts relative to the life of Jesus: First, his birth occurred while Augustus Caesar was emperor of Rome; second, from the early childhood of Jesus until after his death Herod Antipas ruled in Galilee and Peraea, and during the same period Herod Philip ruled in the Bashan district, while Judaea and Samaria were ruled by a succession of procurators; third, the public life of Jesus occurred while Tiberius Caesar was emperor of Rome and Pontius Pilate was procurator of Judaea and Samaria. The inhabitants of Judaea in New Testament times were largefy descendants of Hebrews returned from the Babylonian captivity. The inhabitants of Samaria were descendants of Cuthite and other Assyr- ian colonists imported after the Assyrian captivity. (See II. Kings 17, and Trench on the Parable of the Good Samaritan.) Galilee was CHRONOLOGY OF THE GOSPEL PERIOD. IJ occupied chiefly 03- Jews less superstitious than those of Judaea. Peraea and the Bashan district were occupied by Jews and Gentiles, who intermingled but little. The great majority of the people were abjectly poor, and because of their inabilit}- to observe the law with the exactness required by the interpretation of the Rabbis, were virtuall} 7 outcasts in the eyes of the religionists of the times. The temple of New Testament times was begun by Herod B.C. 20-17, but was not completed until a.d. 65. Here the devout Jews of all Palestine, and indeed of all the world, assembled statedly for worship. The Samaritans worshiped at Mt. Gerizim, where was a temple built by Sanballat, with the consent of Alexander the Great, about b.c. 325. CHAPTER II. i The Introductory Period, b.c. 6 to a.d. 26. Matt. Mark In October of the year of Rome 748, B.C. 6, while Zacharias was in the discharge of his priestly duties at Jerusalem, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and announced that his wife Elizabeth, hitherto childless, should bear a son who should be named John; that he should "go before his [the Lord's] face in the spirit and power of Elijah ' ' ( Luke). Delighted, yet doubting, Zacharias returned to his home in the hill country of Judaea, probably Hebron, where the child was born in June of B.C. 5. ' ' And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel " (Luke 1 :8o). Six months after the annunciation to Zacharias, the angel Gabriel came to Mary, a virgin of Nazareth in Galilee, a descendant of David, the espoused of Joseph a carpenter, and promised to her the miraculous conception of a son, whom she should name Jesus, saying, " He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke). Luke. 1:5 John. 1:38. 1 Note.— In the following pages, marginal references are employed to indicate the Scrip- ture passages relating to the various incidents in the life of Jesus. A reference placed under a horizontal line indicates the beginning, and one placed above a horizontal line indicates the end, of that portion of the narrative to which the Scripture reference applies. 18 THE INTRODUCTORY PERIOD. B.C. 6 TO A.D. 26. 19 Matt. Mark. Some time after this the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, and informed him of God's purpose in relation to his espoused wife, and directed him also to call the name of the child "Jesus; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew). About this same time Augustus Caesar ordered that a census of the empire should be taken. In answer to this requirement, and according to Jewish custom, Joseph and Mary, now husband and wife, went to the village of Bethlehem in Judaea, the city of David, to be registered. Mam- others having come on a like errand, Bethlehem was over-crowded, so that Joseph and Man- found it necessary to take shelter in a cave. 1 Shortly after- ward Mar}- gave birth to her firstborn, Jesus the Son of man, the Son of God. Thus quietly and in great humility occurred the birth of the world's Re- deemer. But the birth of Jesus, unnoticed by men, was not wholly unheralded. To a company of shepherds keeping watch over their flocks near Bethlehem, the angel of the Lord appeared with the mes- sage, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to Luke. John 1 "The sacred spot where Jesus was born is pointed out as in a cave under the high altar of the great Church of the Nativity. Nor is there anything improbable in a cave being thus honored, for it is quite common in Palestine to build a house against the mouth of such a natural chamber, to have the benefit of it either as a stable or a lumber-room. You go down by a flight of steps to the supposed ' stable,' now made into a kind of room by hangings, once splendid, on the walls and roof. Two huge gilt candlesticks rise in the corner; a wall altar, over which is a smoke-blackened picture, takes up some space, and below, rising from the ground at the same side, is a small scallop-shaped recess, fringed with lamps always burning, and paved with various colored marble, forming a star with a silver center, while along the outer edge there run the words, in Latin, ' Here Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary.' I frankly confess that the spot had a mighty power over me, for it has really very high claims to be regarded as genuine, tradition having marked it as such since the second century." — Geikie's " New Testament Hours," pp. 4,5- JESUS THE NAZARENE. Matt. to Mark. you this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." And suddenly a multitude of the heavenly host took up the refrain, — "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased" (I^uke). On the eighth day the child was cir- cumcised and named Jesus. At the end of forty days he was presented in the temple, where he was met and greeted by the aged and devout Simeon and by the prophetess Anna. Shortly after this occurred the visit of the Magi, who, directed of God, came "from the east to . . . Jerusalem," and asked: ' ' Where is he that is born King of the Jews ? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him" (Matthew). This inquiry aroused the ever jealous Her- od, and he immediately set about seeking ' ' the young child to destroy him ' ' ( Mat- thew). Warned of God, Joseph and Mary fled with the child to Egypt for refuge, and remained there until after the death of Herod. 1 ^earning that the Magi did not return as he requested, Herod ordered the slaughter of all the children of Bethlehem from two years old and under — an awful picture of the heart of this vicious king. At length, informed of the death of Herod, the Holy Family returned to Pal- estine. Avoiding Judaea for fear of Arch- elaus, they went directly to Nazareth in Galilee. Of the further events of the childhood and early manhood of Jesus we know but Luke. John 2-39 1 The flight into Egypt must have occurred not later than the early part of B.C. 4, for Herod died only a few days before the Passover of that year. How long before his death their flight occurred we do not know, and hence cannot determine the length of time they remained in Egypt. Scholars are divided in their estimate between a few months and as many years. the; introductory period, b.c. 6 to a.d. 26. 21 Matt. Mark. little. At the age of twelve he was taken to the feast of the Passover at Jerusalem for the first time. The story of his being missed by his parents and of their finding him in the temple in the midst of the doctors of the law, is one of too great beauty to be told in language other than that of Holy Writ. Read it in Luke 2 : 42-49. Luke. John. Of the events of the Saviour's life between this visit to the Passover and his entrance upon his public ministry, we only know that "he went down with them [his parents], and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them," and "advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men" (Luke 2 : 51, 52). He learned the carpenter's trade (Mark 6:3), and, as Justin Martyr writes, "did make, while among men, ploughs and yokes, thus setting before them symbols of righteousness, and teaching them an active life." From the fact that the records of his later life contain no refer- ence to Joseph, his reputed father, it is thought that Joseph died before Jesus began his public ministry. The Gospels maintain even a more complete silence respecting the childhood, youth, and early manhood of John the Baptist. Aside from the statement of Luke 1 : 80, we know nothing of his life from the day of his circumcision until he appeared in the wilderness of Judaea with the same abruptness that characterized the first appear- ance of his great ancestor, the prophet Elijah. CHAPTER III. The First Public Year. a.d. 27. Matt. Mark. 3:1 to 4:11. 1:1 to 1:14. January- February . ' ' In those days cometh John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea" ( Matthew ). He had been preaching some time — it may be, several months — when Jesus came for baptism. His work was very successful, so that multitudes from "Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan" came to him, "and they were baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins" (Matthew). At length Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee to be baptized. John at first hesitated, but at length consented, and baptized him. As Jesus came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit came upon him in the form of a dove, and God the Father testified in an audible voice that Jesus was his beloved Son. Immediately Jesus was led of the Spirit into the wilderness "to be tempted of the devil. ' ' Here the Saviour spent forty days and forty nights in fasting, at the close of which he hungered. In the course of his temptation he was taken to a pinnacle of the temple, and also to an exceeding high mountain. At the close of the temptation "angels came and ministered unto him" C Matthew). During the temptation of Jesus, John 22 Luke. 3-i John, 4:13 •■ 1.19 THE FIRST PUBLIC YEAR. A.D. 2J. 23 Matt. Mark. the Baptist remained at Bethabara, teach- ing and baptizing. Meanwhile a depu- tation of Levites came to him from Jerusalem and asked him whether he was the Messiah. John replied with a distinct denial. On the next day Jesus returned from the temptation, and as he approached, John pointed him out as the Messiah, in the language, "Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" (John.) The next day he repeated the announcement, and two of his disciples, Andrew and John, left John and became disciples of Jesus. Andrew shortty afterward found his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus, who at once named him Cephas, a stone. Accompanied bj r these his first followers, Jesus started to Galilee, and on the way secured two more disciples, Philip and Nathanael. Three days later he arrived at Cana, where with his mother and newly secured disciples he attended a wedding. Here he per- formed his first miracle, turning six water-pots of water into wine. March. After the wedding, Jesus, with his mother, brethren, and disciples, made a short visit to Capernaum. 1 April-Novem ber. After a short stay at Capernaum Jesus went up to Jerusalem to the Passover. 2 During the feast he cleansed the temple, driving out those who were polluting it by using it for mercenary purposes. Here Luke. John 1 Of what occurred during this visit we are uot informed. 2 The Passover occurred this year April 11-17. (Andrews, p. 169.) 24 JESUS THE NAZARENE. Matt. Mark. he also gave his first recorded public teaching. The Jews were at once aroused to opposition because of his claiming such unusual authority, and their demands rendered necessary his first personal vin- dication. During the feast he wrought a number of miracles, in consequence of which many believed. He was visited privately by Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, a member of the Sanhedrin, to whom he spoke with great force of the necessity and nature of the "new birth." After the feast, taking his disciples, the number of whom had increased some- what, he withdrew to the country, where he engaged for some time in teaching and baptizing, John the Baptist being similarly engaged at iEnon. 1 December. "When therefore the Lord knew how that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John, .... he left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee" (John). At this point Jesus practically closed his Judaean ministry; his visits to this region after this were only of short duration, and were not especially for teaching. In going to Galilee he went through Samaria, passing Jacob's well near Sy- char. Here occurred the conversation with the woman of Samaria, in the course of which Jesus gave his first announce- ment of his Messiahship. He tarried in the city two days, and taught, in response Luke. John. 3:23- 4:1 1 What parts of Judaea were visited by Jesus during this time we are not told, nor are we told the length of time thus occupied by him. It is probable, and generally believed, that it covered some months, perhaps April to November inclusive ; that is, almost the whole of our lord's first public year seems to have been spent in Judaea. "Jesus himself bap« tized not, but his disciples" (John 4:2). THE FIRST PUBLIC YEAR. A.D. 27. ^5 Matt Mark. to which man}* believed. Leaving Sama- ria, he went to Galilee, where he was received with expressions of great esteem, man}- of the Galileans having been pres- ent and witnessed what he did at the feast at Jerusalem. He came at length to Cana, where he was visited b}- a nobleman from Caper- naum, who requested that he would "come down, and heal his son," who was lying at Capernaum "at the point of death ' ' (John). Without going to Caper- naum Jesus granted his request by healing his son, though he was seventeen miles distant. This was the second miracle that he performed at Cana. From all that we can learn we conclude that Jesus now spent some months in retirement, taking rest. His disciples meanwhile returned to their own homes and to their business, fishing. During this interval the first 3*ear of our Lord's public life closed. Luke. John. CHAPTER IV. The Second Pubuc Year. a.d. 28. Matt. 4--I3 Mark. 1:14, 15. January -April. AFTER spending some time in retire- ment Jesus went again to Jerusalem to the Passover, 1 "a feast of the Jews." While at the feast he healed an impotent man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sab- bath day. This aroused great opposition upon the part of the Jews, extending even to a conspiracy to take his life. Notwith- standing this opposition, Jesus continued to teach, speaking very plainly of his relation to the Father, of his own work, and of the conditions necessary to per- sonal salvation. Learning about this time that John the Baptist had been arrested and thrown into prison, Jesus withdrew again to Galilee, and on his way passed through Nazareth. On the Sabbath he went into the syna- gogue, and being accorded the privilege of speaking, he read from Isaiah 61 : 1, 2, and preached. The people were at first greatly delighted ' ' at the words of grace which proceeded out of his mouth ' ' (Luke), but at length became offended, and attempted to cast him headlong over the brow of the hill on which the city was built. Passing through their midst, he went again to Capernaum. He now se- Luke. John. 5-r x Date offcast, March 30-April 5. (Andrews, p. 189.) 26 THE SECOND PUBLIC YEAR. A.D. 2o. 27 Matt. Mark. to 1:16-20. 4:22. 1:2 1 8:14-17. to 4:23-25- 8:2-4. (?) z:45> 9:2 2:1 lected this as his home, and entered fully upon his ministry in Galilee. He proceeded first to re-collect his dis- ciples, who, some months before, had returned to their homes. 1 In connection with this second call occurred the first miraculous draught of fishes, which so excited Peter that he ' ' fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord." Jesus replied, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men" (Luke). After this, Jesus went into the S3'nagogues on the Sabbath days and taught. On the first Sabbath there was a demoniac present in the syna- gogue, and Jesus, with a word, healed him, to the amazement of all. Afterward he retired to the home of Peter, where he healed Peter's mother-in-law, and after sunset of the same day he healed multi- tudes who were suffering from various afflictions. May- August. The next morning, rising very early, he went out to a place of seclusion to pray. Peter found him at length, and urged him to return to Capernaum, as the multitudes were waiting to hear him. But he replied, " I must preach the good tidings of the kingdom of God to the other cities also" (Luke), and he started on his first circuit through the towns and villages about Capernaum. During this circuit he taught and healed many. At length he returned to Capernaum, where great multitudes gathered at once to hear him. Many sick were brought for healing, among them a paralytic, Lake. John 5:11. 4:32 5:16. 4:42-44- 5:12-15. (?) 1 See page 25. 28 JESUS THE NAZARENE. Matt. 9-9- Mark. 2:23 who, because of the multitude present, was let down into his presence through the roof. All were healed. These things, while they excited the common people greatly in his favor, only served to arouse the enmity of the Pharisees, and when he announced the forgiveness of the sins of the paralytic, they openly charged him with blasphemy. At length he with- drew to the seashore, where he saw Levi, a publican, collecting tribute. Upon Jesus' requesting him to become one of his disciples, Levi gave up his business and followed him. 1 After the call of Levi, Jesus and his disciples, while journeying in and about Capernaum, on a certain Sabbath passed through a field of wheat or barley. As they passed along, the disciples plucked a few heads of grain and rubbed them in their hands to get the kernels. The Pharisees, seeing this, and noticing also that Jesus did not reprove the disciples, became greatly incensed, because, as they claimed, he was tolerating the violation of the law of the Sabbath. But Jesus vin- dicated the disciples, and in a word taught the Pharisees and the world the true doc- trine of the Sabbath. "The Sabbath," said he, " was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath ' ' ( Mark ). On a Sabbath following he went into the synagogue in Capernaum and taught. There was a man present with a withered hand, and the Pharisees watched anxiously to see whether he would heal him on the Sab- Luke. John. x Some authors place the feast given to Jesus by Levi immediately after Jesus called him. But as Matthew puts Levi's feast immediately preceding the raising of Jairus's daughter, and connects the two very closely, and as Mark and Luke both place that miracle after Jesus' return from Gadara, which, according to all three of the Synoptists, occurred some considerable time after the call of Levi, the author prefers to place Levi's feast not in immediate connection with his call, but at a later date. See page 32. THE SECOND PUBLIC YEAR. A.D. 28. 29 Matt. Chs.5-7 8:5-13- Mark. 3:12. 3:i3-i9- 3:20, 21. bath da\-. He did so, and the}- withdrew in anger, and with the Herodians, with whom they had been at enmity, conspired for his destruction. Jesus withdrew again to the seashore, where he addressed the multitudes from a small vessel, accom- panying his teaching with numerous and various works of healing. After this he withdrew to a mountain, evidently not far from Capernaum, where he spent the night in prayer. 1 The next morning he chose the twelve apostles, and upon the assembling of a great multitude of people he delivered the Sermon on the Mount. After this he returned again to Capernaum, where occurred, probably on the day of his return, the healing of the centurion's servant. The crowds around him became so great, and the demands upon him so numerous, that he could not find time to eat. Learning this, his friends sought to get him away from the people, saying, "He is beside himself" (Mark). Shortly after this, accompanied by his disciples and a number of others, Jesus started on his second circuit through Gal- ilee, and on the way came to the city of Xain. As they approached the gate of the city they met a funeral procession bear- ing to burial the only son of a widow. Jesus touched the bier and bade the young man "Arise," and he was delivered to his mother alive. This is the first re- corded raising of the dead by our Lord. Sept em ber- Decern ber. John the Baptist, who had been now for several months a prisoner in the fort- Luke. 6:11. 7:10. 7:11 John. 1 Probably the Horns of Hattin, west of the Sea of Galilee. Some authors prefer Mt. Tabor. 3Q JESUS THE NAZARENE. Matt. Mark. ress of Machaerus, in the southern part of Persea, hearing of the wonderful works of Jesus, — surprised, it may be, that one so mighty should leave his forerunner in such distress, — sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus, "Art thou he that cometh or look we for another? " (I,uke.) They found Jesus some time after the miracle at Nain, probably } r et in that vicinity, and propounded to him the question given them by John. Instead of answering di- rectty, Jesus cited his words and works in proof of his person and character. After their departure Jesus pronounced a most glowing compliment upon the character and work of John the Baptist, but added the significant remark, "He that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." Following this, he began "to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not" (Matthew). Closely related to these events, prob- ably both as to time and place, occurred another most interesting incident. Jesus was invited by one Simon, a Pharisee, to dine with him. While at the table eating, a woman with an unenviable reputation came in, and standing behind the Sav- iour, washed his feet with her tears and wiped them with her loosely flowing hair, and following this, kissed his feet and anointed him. The fact that Jesus allowed a woman of such character to take such liberties, offended the Pharisee. Jesus, knowing his feelings, spoke to him the parable of the Two Debtors, in which he most positively, yet most beautifully and tenderly, revealed to the Pharisee and to the world his hatred of hypocrisy and his unconquerable love for penitent sin- Luke. John 7-35- 7-36 THE SECOND PUBLIC YEAR. A.D. 28. Matt. Mark. 12:22 to 13=52- 3:22 to 8:18 tiers. Then turning to the woman, he said, "Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace" (Matthew). Following this, he continued his travels through Galilee, ' ' preaching and bring- ing the good tidings of the kingdom of God" (Luke), being accompanied by the Twelve, a number of devout women, and man\* others. At length he returned to Capernaum, where was brought to him one possessed of a devil, blind and dumb. Jesus at once healed him, greatly to the amazement of all. Certain scribes from Jerusalem, upon hearing of the miracle, became enraged, and charged him with being in league with Beelzebub, the prince of the devils, a charge repeated a number of times afterward. Jesus rebuked them in very plain and forcible language, and to their request for a sign, referred them to the sign of the prophet Jonas. While he was speaking, his mother and his brethren sought for him, and to the mul- titude he announced that his true kindred are those who do the will of God. On the same day he went out by the seaside, and when the multitudes came together he entered a boat and taught them, utter- ing the first group of parables recorded: the Sower, the Tares, the Mustard Seed, the Leaven, the Hid Treasure, the Goodly Pearl, and the Draw-net. They may or the}* may not all have been spoken on one day. Some of them seem to have been spoken to the disciples only. Toward evening Jesus proposed to cross to the other side of the sea, and while they were preparing to do so, he held a conversation with a certain scribe and one of his disciples concerning "follow- Luke. John 8:4 8:18. 9:57-60. 32 JESUS THE NAZARKNE. Matt. Mark 4:35 to to 9:1. 5:21. 9:10 2:15 to to % ing" him. At length, having dismissed the multitude, he entered the boat, and with the Twelve, started to the other side of the sea. Being weary, Jesus soon fell asleep. A storm arose very suddenly and greatly terrified the disciples. They awoke him, and at his word, "Peace, be still," the storm ceased. The disciples won- dered very greatly at the fact that ' ' even the wind and the sea obey him" (Mark). They landed, probably early in the morn- ing, at a village named Gergesa (now Kersa), situated close to the shore, and near which the mountain, with a rapid descent, comes close to the water's edge. Here he was met by two demoniacs ' ' com- ing forth out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man could pass by that way" (Matthew). At the request of the evil spirits they were permitted, after leav- ing the men, to enter into a herd of swine feeding near by. The result was that the swine ran down the hillside into the sea and perished. Angered at the loss of the swine, rather than pleased at the healing of the demoniacs, the Gergesenes at once besought Jesus to depart out of their coasts. Having commissioned one of the healed demoniacs to return to his home and tell how great things the Lord had done for him, Jesus and the Twelve again entered the boat and sailed for the other side, where he was gladly received. Upon his return to Capernaum he was immediately met by a great multitude of people. While here he accepted an invitation to a feast prepared by Levi, the former publican. During the feast he was assailed by the scribes and Phari- sees for eating with publicans and sin- ners. He replied that his mission was Luke. 8:22 John 8:40. 5:29 THE SECOND PUBLIC YEAR. A.D. 28. 33 Matt. Mark. 9 :ij. 9:18 9:26. 9:27 5:43- not to the good, but to the bad; not to the righteous, but to sinners. The dis- ciples of John, some of whom were present, wanted an explanation of the feasting of his disciples as contrasted with the fasting of the disciples of John. The answer given reveals the first shadow of the cross. ^Tiile the feast was progressing, Jairus, a ruler of the sjmagogue, entered and asked that Jesus would come and heal his daughter, who was then dying. Jesus started to go with him. On the way a woman, afflicted grievousl} T for twelve 3*ears, pressed her way through the crowd, anxious that she might have opportunity if it were but to touch the hem of his garment. She touched him, and was at once healed. Jesus, noticing that "vir- tue had gone out of him," turned and commended her for her faith. While he spoke with her, word was brought that Jairus' s daughter was already dead; but he proceeded to the house, assuring her father that all would be well. At the house, he took with him Peter, James, and John, with the father and mother, and in their presence raised the young woman to life. This miracle, as might be expected, excited the amazement of all far and near. On the way homeward he was followed by two blind men, who went into the house after him, crying, "Have mercy on us, thou son of David" (Matthew). After asking them whether they believed him able to heal them, and receiving an affirmative reply, he touched their eyes and healed them. As these departed ' ' there was brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil" (Matthew), and Luke. John. S-39- 8:4.1 8:56. 34 JESUS THE NAZARENE. Matt. 9'34- Mark. he healed him. As the multitudes looked on in amazement they said, ' ' It was never so seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said, By the prince of the devils casteth he out devils." Luke. John. With these events we are brought to the close of the second year of our Iyord's public life, and find him all the while growing in favor with the masses of the people, but, as well, ever exciting the Pharisees to a higher pitch of enmity. CHAPTER V. The Third Public Year. a.d. 29. Matt. Mark. *3'53S 8 6:1 to 6:13. 9-35 to 10:42. 14:1 6:14 January -March. Shortly after the opening of the third 3-ear of his ministry, Jesns went again to Nazareth, accompanied by his disciples. On the Sabbath day he entered the syn- agogue and began to teach. But the people, contrasting his claim to be the Messiah with the facts of his humble origin, began to find fault, and he turned awa}* and left them. 1 After leaving Naz- areth he went again through the sur- rounding villages teaching. During this journey he sent out the Twelve to heal and to preach. Meanwhile Jesus contin- ued his own work. April. About this time, on Herod's birthday, occurred the beheading of John the Bap- tist in answer to the request of the vicious Herodias. The news of the sad occurrence was brought to Jesus by the disciples of John. Shortly afterward the Twelve returned to Jesus at C^ernaum. For some time now, Jesus sought a life of privacy with his disciples, rather than of public manifestation. With this in view he withdrew, after the return of the Twelve, and went to the east side of the Luke. 9:1-6. John. 1 Some writers consider this rejection identical with that recited on page 26, but, in the opinion of the author, without good reason. 35 36 JESUS THE NAZARENE. Matt. to Mark. to 14:21. 14:22 6:44. 6:45 Sea of Galilee to ' ' rest awhile ' ' ( Mark ). But he could not be hid, for the multitude, noticing his course, went on foot around the head of the sea and ' ' outwent them ' ' ; so that when Jesus and his disciples landed not far from Bethsaida Julias, they found a multitude already gathered. Jesus spent the day in teaching thein, and in the evening was moved with compassion "because they were as sheep not having a shepherd" (Mark); and he closed the day with the wonderful miracle, the feed- ing of five thousand men, besides women and children, with five loaves and two fishes. 1 After Jesus had fed the multitude they were anxious to take him by force and make him king; 2 but he sent them and the disciples away, and himself withdrew into the mountain to pray. The disciples started across the sea in the boat. During the night their progress was hindered by a storm. Toward morning Jesus came to them walking on the sea. Not knowing him at first, they were frightened, but when Jesus said, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (Matthew), they were so en- couraged that Peter, in response to Jesus' permission, started to walk to him on the water. He succeeded well until he turned his eyes upon the waves, when he began to sink. In answer to his cry, "I,ord, save me" (Matthew), Jesus reached forth his hand and rescued him. They entered the boat and soon reached the shore, finding themselves in the land of Gennesaret, south of Capernaum. Immediately many Luke. John, 9:17. 6:21. 1 This miracle occurred about the time of the Passover. It seems that Jesus did not attend this Passover. 2 This event marks the point at which the popularity of Jesus with the common people reached its highest point. He was never popular with the rulers and Pharisees. THE THIRD PUBLIC YEAR. A.D. 29. 37 Matt. 14:36. Mark. sick people were brought to him, and he healed them; some were healed by only touching his clothes. Meanwhile those whom he had fed the day before hurried back to Capernaum. Leaving Gennesaret, Jesus and the Twelve returned to Capernaum also, where he addressed the expectant crowd in a dis- course of great beaut}-, but in which, greatry to the confusion of the multitude, he denominated himself "the bread of life" (John), of which man must eat in order to attain to eternal life. It made no difference that he told them afterward that the words which he spoke were "spirit" and "life." The explanation was of no avail. The Jews were offended, as were also a number of his disciples, several of whom refused to follow him any longer. As he saw them turn awa}", Jesus addressed the Twelve with the inquiry, "Would ye also go away?" and received from Peter the beautiful and forcible repl}-: "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we have believed and know that thou art the H0I3- One of God" (John). Following this, Jesus pointed out to them the fact that though he had chosen them all, yet one of them was a " devil." May-Septem ber. About this time a company of scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem gathered about the Saviour, and objected to his allowing his disciples to eat without first washing their hands, thus disregarding the traditions. Jesus replied to them kindly, yet with a severe rebuke to their ill-concealed hypocris3\ Luke. John. 6:71. 38 JESUS THE NAZARENE. Matt. 15:28. 15:29 Mark. Again desiring retirement, he left Ca- pernaum with his disciples and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon in Phoe- nicia. x His presence soon became known , and a woman of that section came to him with the request that he heal her demon- iac daughter. For a while he seemed to refuse her request, saying, "It is not meet to take the children's bread and cast it to the dogs." But upon receiving her reply, "Yea, L,ord: for even the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table," he replied, "O woman, great is thy faith" (Matthew), and healed her daughter. At length he left this region and re- turned through the Decapolis to a moun- tain on the east side of the Sea of Galilee. Here again great multitudes assembled as soon as his presence became known, bringing with them many in need of healing, and he healed them. The peo- ple were very greatly surprised as they witnessed these manifestations of power, but their surprise was still greater when, after three days' continuance with him, he fed four thousand men, besides women and children, with seven loaves and a few little fishes. He then sent the people away, and taking ship returned to the coasts of Magdala and Dalmanutha, vil- lages on the west side of the sea, not far from Capernaum. After this he was met at Capernaum by a number of scribes and Pharisees, who demanded a confirmation of his authority by some "sign." He replied, referring them to the sign of the prophet Jonah. Again he departed by boat to the east side of the sea, and on the way warned his disciples of the Luke. John This was his only visit to heathen territory. THE THIRD PUBLIC YEAR. A.D. 29. 39 Matt. 16:12. Mark. 8:26. 16:13 to 16:28. 8:27 to 9:1. 9:2 to 17.1 to danger of the leaven— the teachings— of the Pharisees and Saddncees. Corning to Bethsaida Julias he was met by a blind man, who, in being healed, was able first to see men, "as trees, walking" (Mark). Again desiring a season of retirement, he took the Twelve and started to the re- gion of Csesarea Philippi. On the way he inquired of the disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is ? " Peter an- swered, expressing the belief of the disci- ples, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew). Continuing to speak with his disciples, he surprised them greatly by telling them of his hav- ing to suffer a violent death, and of the certainty of his resurrection. Peter's un- willingness to hear these words led him to reply to Jesus in such a manner as to call forth from the Master a severe re- buke. After this Jesus spoke to them very plainly as to the conduct of those who would be his disciples. About a week later the Transfiguration occurred. * Only Peter, James, and John were permitted to witness this wonderful scene, when ' ' His face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light" (Matthew). Upon coining down from the mountain after the Trans- figuration, the father of a lunatic child came to Jesus, requesting that he heal his child. The disciples had attempted to give relief, but found the case one beyond their control. At the word of Jesus relief was immediately realized. After the Transfiguration they crossed over the Jordan near its sources and re- turned through Galilee to Capernaum. Luke. ■iS John. l The place of the Trans6guration was probably Mount Hermon, one of the southern peaks of the Lebanon Mountains. 4 o JESUS THE NAZARENE. Matt. 17:23. 17:24 18:35. Mark. 9:32- 9-33 9:50- On the way lie spoke again concerning his death and resurrection. At Capernaum the collector of the tem- ple tax of half a shekel came to Peter and asked whether their master was not ac- customed to pay this tax. Peter replied in the affirmative. Jesus afterward in- quired of Peter whether it was customary with kings to collect taxes of their own sons, or of strangers. Upon receiving from Peter the answer that they collected of strangers, and not of those of their own house, Jesus replied, "Therefore the sons are free." But lest he should give offense he sent Peter to the sea, with the direction, "Cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth thou shalt find a shekel; that take and give unto them for me and thee" (Matthew). Following this, Jesus spoke of those who are greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and illustrated his teaching by a little child. Continuing he spoke of "offences" and of "forgive- ness," closing with the parables of the Lost Sheep and the Unmerciful Servant. October- Decern ber. About this time Jesus sent his disciples to Jerusalem to attend the feast of Taber- nacles, and a few days later went up himself, "not publicly, but as it were in secret" (John). 1 Luke. Joh 9:46-50 1 From the point that we have now reached in the Saviour's life, until the beginning of Passion Week, the order of the events is quite uncertain, and it is exceedingly difficult to decide on an arrangement with satisfaction. This results from the following considera- tions: 1. Neither Matthew nor Mark gives any record of this period. 2. Luke and John, who give all the record we have, narrate but very little, if indeed anything, in common. 3. They give nothing to indicate where one supplements the other. A few things we learn quite definitely from John : (1) Jesus attended the feast of Tabernacles, October 11-18. (2) He attended the feast of Dedication, December 20-27. (3) Immediately after the feast of Dedication he withdrew to Bethabara, across the Jordan. (4) After some time he returned THE THIRD PUBLIC YEAR. A.D. 20. 41 Matt. • Mark At the feast of Tabernacles Jesus taught in the temple, and the Jews took offense, ostensibly because at the feast of the Passover a year and a half before, he had healed an impotent man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath. But Jesus con- tinued his teaching, and many of the people became deeply interested in his doctrine. This excited the priests and Pharisees still more, and they sent officers to arrest him. But these returned, with the reply, " Never man so spake" (John). Even more were his enemies aroused when Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, who had come to Jesus by night two and one-half years before, asked the seemingh T favorable question, ' ' Doth our law judge a man, except it first hear him for himself and know what he doeth?" This caused the enemies of Jesus to turn upon Nico- demus with the demand: "Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and see that out of Galilee ariseth no prophet" (John). Luke. John 7:52. to Bethany to raise Lazarus. ( 5 ) Immediately after this he withdrew to Ephraim, where he seems to have remained until time to go to the Passover. Luke narrates a number of events that seem to have occurred during this same period, none of which are named by John. The record of these events occupies the Gospel of Luke between chapters 9 : 51 and 13:35. In this record he mentions a journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, which was pre- announced by "the seventy," and therefore so public that it does not seem reasonable to identify it with the journey to the feast of Tabernacles named by John, which was made "in secret." These two journeys to Jerusalem necessitate an intervening return journey, although no such return is recorded. So hold Andrews, Farrar, Ebrard, Lichten- stein, Greswell, and others. This is the theory accepted by the author of this work. But accepting this much as determined, it yet remains to arrange the events named by Luke in harmony and connection with those given by John. In doing this the position is taken that following the feast of Tabernacles Jesus returned to Galilee, of which return we have no record, and that the journey to Jerusalem recorded by Luke as occurring at this period, is the journey to the feast of the Dedication, the last journey made from Galilee to Jerusalem, and that this journey was made through Persea, or Judsea beyond Jordan. ( See Matt. 19 : 1; Mark 10:1; Alford on Luke 9 151; Andrews's "Life of Our Lord," pp. 366- 385; Farrar's "Life of Christ," pp. 274-282.) This journey perhaps occupied considerable time, and we are not sure that Luke narrates the events that he gives in the order of their occurrence. One event, the healing of the lepers, which he narrates much later, should, in the opinion of the author, be placed as occurring during this journej-, as we have no evidence that after this Jesus "passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee" (Luke 17:11). 42 JESUS THE NAZARENE. Matt. Mark. Jesus then withdrew to the Mount of Olives, where he spent the night, prob- ably in the home of Mary, Martha, and I^azarus. Early the next morning he returned to the temple, where occurred the incident of the woman taken in adul- tery. 1 After this Jesus continued his plain and forcible teaching. He reproved the Jews sharply for their claiming to be the children of Abraham while they did none of the works of Abraham, and closed with the assertion to the Jews so remarkable, "Before Abraham was, I am." This claim to superiority over even Abraham they were not slow to under- stand; it enraged them so that they attempted at once to stone him, as guilty of blasphemy. Passing out from them and out of the temple, he met a man blind from his birth. The disciples in- quired whether this blindness was the result of the man's own sin or the sin of his parents. Jesus replied that it was not because of the sin of either, "but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." He then spat on the ground and took of the moistened clay, and with it anointed the man's eyes, and directed him to wash in the pool of Si- loam. The man returned from the wash- ing in full possession of his sight. As this also occurred on a Sabbath day, the Pharisees again became greatly aroused, and instituted a rigid investigation of the case, resulting in the excommuni- cation of the fortunate unfortunate. He afterward met Jesus and accepted him as the Son of God. The Saviour contin- Luke. John. 7=53 1 This incident is omitted entirely from many of the ancient manuscripts, and is con- sidered questionable as to its genuineness by Alford, Andrews, and others ; it is bracketed in the Revised Version. THE THIRD PUBLIC YEAR. A.D. 29. 43 Matt. Mark. 19:12. ued to teach the people, and in his address spoke the parable of the Good Shepherd. After the feast Jesus returned to Gali- lee. We next meet liim ' ' when the da}~s were well-nigh come that he should be received up," and "he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem." His intention was to go through Samaria, but as the messengers sent before him were rejected, he turned aside to cross over into Persea. His rejection hy a Samaritan village excited James and John to request the privilege of commanding fire to fall from heaven and consume them, as Elijah had once done. But Jesus rebuked the disci- ples, and turned aside to another village. During his journe3 T eastward, on the borders of Samaria and Galilee occurred the incident of the healing of the ten lepers, only one of whom returned to give glory to God for the favor conferred, and he a Samaritan. On the way Jesus spoke to one who proposed to become his disciple, but who wished to go first and bury his father. About this time, or it may be before leaving Galilee, occurred the sending out of "the seventy." The length of time occupied in their mission is not given; the field of their activity seems to have been Peraea. Many other interesting events occurred during this final journe}' from Galilee. A lawyer inquired the wa} T of life, and in replying to him Jesus gave the parable of the Good Samaritan. His disciples asked him to teach them to pray, and he taught them the Lord's Prayer, first given in the Sermon on the Mount, and added the parable of the Friend at Midnight. He healed one who was dumb and possessed of an evil spirit, and in vindicating him- Luke. John. 10:21. 44 JESUS THE NAZARENE. Matt. Mark. self replied again to the charge that he wrought his miracles by the help of Beelzebub. To a woman who pronounced the mother of Jesus specially blessed, he replied that the greater blessing is to those who hear and keep the w T ord of God. He spoke also to a great crowd in reproof of their demanding "a sign." A Phari- see requested him to dine with him, and was greatly surprised to see Jesus sit down to eat without first washing his hands, according to Jewish custom. This fur- nished the Saviour opportunity to speak very plainly and forcibly of their formal- ism and hypocrisy. A lawyer complained because his words also condemned them, and Jesus replied to him in language no less positive. Meanwhile a great multi- tude gathered to hear him, and he again warned his disciples against the leaven — the doctrine -of the Pharisees. One of the company requested that Jesus would direct his brothers to make a proper divi- sion of their inheritance, and Jesus, in replying, gave the parable of the Rich Fool, and urged the importance of seek- ing first the kingdom of God. As he journeyed on the way, some per- sons came to him with a report of certain Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the sacrifices at the temple, and in replying to them he spoke the parable of the Barren Fig Tree. On a Sabbath, while teaching in a synagogue, he healed a woman who had been afflicted for eight- een years. The ruler of the synagogue complained of his working on the Sab- bath, and Jesus replied to him, justifying his own conduct and strongly reproving the hypocrisy of the Pharisee. Continu- ing his teaching he spoke the parables of Luke. 1 John. 12:59. 13:1 THE THIRD PUBLIC YEAR. A.D. 2 9 . 45 Matt. Mark. the Mustard Seed and the Leaven, and urged strongl}- the importance of heart service as the only true service of God. Some Pharisees came to him, warning him of the enmity of Herod and of his desire to kill Jesus, and he replied, stating his purpose to go to Jerusalem, closing with a solemn lamentation over the fate of that city. He arrived at Jerusalem in time for the feast of the Dedication. 1 At some time during the feast he was walking in Solo- mon's Porch, a long portico at the eastern side of the temple area, and the Jews asked him to declare plain!}- whether he was the Messiah. Jesus replied, calling attention to his works as evidence of his character and mission, and chided them for their unbelief in the presence of all that they had seen and heard. During his conversation with them he said, "I and the Father are one," and they at once took up stones to stone him. He still continued to reason with them, but they became the more enraged, and he withdrew and went across the Jordan to Bethabara, where John at first baptized. During his attendance at the feast of Dedication he seems to have visited the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus at Bethany. Luke. John I3:35- 10:38-42 This feast occurred December 20-27. (Andrews, p. 367. CHAPTER VI. Three Months in Seclusion, a.d. 30. Matt. Mark. January- March . Just how long Jesus remained in Beth- abara is not known. The people, learning of his presence in their midst, came in great numbers to see and hear him. John, who mentions the withdrawal of Jesus thither, gives no record of what occurred while he remained there. The record of Ivuke names some events that probabty occurred at this time, and as the result of which, along with the teaching of Jesus, many were led to believe. A chief Pharisee invited Jesus to a feast at his house on the Sabbath day. Finding there a man afflicted with the dropsy Jesus healed him, and vindicated his act so strongly that the Pharisees and lawyers present could find no further ground of complaint. Taking advantage of the occasion, he spoke the parable of the Great Supper. Great multitudes gathered about him, and knowing that they had no proper conception of his service, he spoke strongly of the neces- sity of self-denial upon the part of those who would be his disciples. Many publicans and sinners gathered about him, and he showed his regard for them by eating with them. This again aroused the scribes and Pharisees, and in answering their criticisms he spoke three parables — the I^ost Sheep, the L,ost Piece 46 Luke. John. 10:40-42 THREE MONTHS IN SECLUSION. A.D. 47 Matt. Mark *9-3 of Money, and the Prodigal Son. To the disciples he spoke the parable of the Unjust Steward; as the Pharisees were listening, he spoke to them of the sanc- tity of the law, and added the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. Addressing his disciples again, he spoke of offenses, forgiveness, and faith. The Pharisees inquired when the kingdom of God should come, and he replied, teaching them that the important thing is not knowledge of the time of its coming, but readiness for its appearance. He then added two par- ables — the Unjust Judge, and the Pharisee and Publican. It was about this time that he was called to Bethany to heal Lazarus. He tarried, however, two days after the call came; during this time Lazarus died. Then, accompanied by his disciples, prob- ably the Twelve, though others may have been with him, he returned to Bethany. The story of his meeting with the broken- hearted sisters, and of the wonderful manner in which Lazarus was restored to life, forms a most beautiful and touch- ing part of the Gospel by John. But the enmity of the Pharisees was again aroused. A meeting of the Sanhedrin was quickly called, and Caiaphas, the high priest, argued that the life of the nation demanded the death of Jesus; he uttered a great truth, but one that was not understood by him or them. They at once put in operation plans to attain this end, but Jesus, knowing their purposes, withdrew again from them and went to Ephraim. Here he remained for some time in retirement with his disciples; we have no record of what occurred. At length the time of the Passover I Luke. 17:10. Joh n . JJ.-20 to 18:14. ii: 1 to 48 JESUS THE NAZARi: Matt. 20:34. Mark. 10:31. drew near, and Jesus started on his last journey to Jerusalem. On the way tie spoke of the lawfulness of divorce. After this little children were brought to him for his blessing; and although the disci- ples objected to their being brought, he said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me; forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God" (Mark). "And he took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands upon them" (Mark). A rich young ruler, perhaps of the synagogue, x accosted him in relation to the conditions on which eternal life may be attained. Upon being taught the necessity of extreme self-denial , the young man withdrew with a sad heart, and even the disciples were led to say, in wonder, ' ' Then who can be saved ? " ( Luke.) After this he spoke the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. To the disciples he announced the near approach of his death at the hands of his enemies, and also assured them of his resurrection. At some point in the journey the mother of James and John came to him with the request that her sons be given positions of special honor in his kingdom about to be set up, as they supposed. 2 His reply informed her that they should expect lives of service and trial rather than of position and honor. As he approached Jericho two blind men besought him for healing, and he answered their request; the name of one of them was Bartimeus. At Jericho he lodged in the home of one Zaccheus, a Luke. John. 1 See Alford on Luke 18 : 18. 2 Geikie holds that James and John were cousins of our L,ord, and that this request may have been made on the ground of relationship. (See "New Testament Hours," pp. 70, 72.) THREE MONTHS IN SECLUSION. A.D. 30. 49 Matt. Mark chief publican. As Jesus passed b3^, Zac- cheus, being of small stature, climbed up into a S3*camore tree in order that he might see Jesus, as he was surrounded by the multitude. Jesus, seeing him, called him to come down, as he intended to lodge in his house. At this the enemies of Jesus took offense, because, as they said, "he is gone in to lodge with a man that is a sinner" (Luke). As he was leaving the city the next day he spoke the parable of the Pounds. The narrative indicates that on this same evening, "six days before the passover" (John), Friday, Xisan 8, March 31, 1 he arrived at Beth- any, the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. He seems to have made his home with them during the week following. Luke. John. 19:28. Andrews, p. 422. Farrar, p. 325. CHAPTER VII. Passion Week. Matt. 26:6 Mark. 14:3 to 26:13. to 14:9' Saturday {Sabbath), Nisan 9, April 1. JESUS spent the day in Bethany, and was given a supper 1 at the "house of Simon the leper" (Matthew), at which Martha served, Lazarus also being pres- ent. During the feast, Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, washed the feet of Jesus with her tears, and with a box of very costly ointment anointed both his head and his feet. Judas took ex- ception to the seeming waste, but Jesus commended Mary, saying that she had come beforehand to anoint his body for burial. On this same day, toward even- ing, many of the Jews who had come to Jerusalem to attend the Passover came out to Bethany to see Jesus, and Lazarus, whom Jesus had recently raised to life. This growing interest in Lazarus became a source of annoyance to the rulers, be- cause it was promoting belief in Jesus; as a consequence they turned against Laz- arus and sought to take his life. Sunday, Nisan 10, April 2. Toward evening Jesus started to go into Jerusalem. When he arrived at Beth- phage he sent two of his disciples into the village to find an ass and a colt, which they were to bring for his use. Luke. John. 1 Matthew and Mark seem to place this feast several days later, but careful attention to the records will reveal the indication that they do not claim to give the exact time. 50 PASSION WEEK. 51 Matt. Ma rk . to to 21:11. IT: 11. II: 12 21.18,19 21:12 to The beasts were brought, and seating himself on the colt, he made what is termed his triumphal entry into Jeru- salem. He was preceded by a great multitude of people who, with great demonstrations of delight, welcomed him as the son of David coming in the name of the Lord. This of course aroused the Pharisees anew, and they requested Jesus to order the people to desist; but he re- plied, "If these shall hold their peace, the stones will cry out" (Luke). Not- withstanding all these expressions of interest, when Jesus drew near the city, presumably as he gained the first view of the temple from the summit of Olivet, he wept, and bewailed the fate of both peo- ple and city. After reaching the city he went into the temple and simply looked about on what was to be seen, and re- turned to Bethany. Monday, Nisan u, April 3. In the morning Jesus returned to the city with the disciples. It seems that he had not taken breakfast, for on the way he was hungry; he may have spent the night in prayer, terminating in a fast. On the way he saw a fig tree at some distance. Although it was not the time for figs, he went to see whether it bare any, and finding none, 1 he said, "Let there be no fruit from thee henceforward for ever ' ' ( Matthew ). He then proceeded to the city, and found in the temple the same desecration of God's house that he had rebuked so emphatically three years Luke. Jo/m to 12:19. 1 "The tree was precocious in being clothed with leaves; and if it had had on it winter Jigs, which remain on from autumn, and ripen early the next season, they would have been ripe at this time. But there were none— it was a barren tree."—Alford on Mark 11:13. 52 JESUS THE NAZARENE. Matt. Mark. to 11:18. 21:17, u:zg. 11:20 21:20 to to before. Seeing this, he again rebuked them, and drove out those who were buying and selling offerings for sacrifice, and overturned the tables of the money brokers who were there exchanging the temple coins for those of commerce. The scribes and Pharisees were again aroused at this seemingly unwarranted assump- tion of authority, but were evidently held in check by the approval that he received from the people; even the children cried out, "Hosanna to the son of David" (Matthew). He returned again to Beth- any to spend the night. Tuesday, Nisan 12, April 4, Was crowded with interesting events. On their way to the city in the morning, Jesus and the disciples passed again by the fig tree, and the disciples were sur- prised to see it withered and dying. When they spoke of it to Jesus, he used the cir- cumstance to teach them the importance and the potency of faith. Upon his arrival at the temple the chief priests and scribes demanded his author- ity for what he had done, referring, no doubt, to the authoritative manner in which he had cleansed the temple the day before. He gave them no definite reply, undoubtedly intending to say by his conduct that his acts were the seal of his authority. He then spoke to them in parables, uttering the Two Sons, the Wicked Husbandmen, and the Marriage of the King's Son. He was afterward ques- tioned in relation to the payment of trib- ute to Caesar, the resurrection, the chief commandment, and the Messiah, the effort being in each case to entangle him so Luke. John. 19:48. PASSION WEEK. 53 Matt. Mark. 23-39- 12:44. 24:1 13:1 as to find some pretext for proceeding against him . But to all of these inquiries he gave such answers that they could only marvel at the wisdom with which he spoke. "And no man after that durst ask him any question ' ' ( Mark ). He then proceeded to warn his disciples against the scribes and Pharisees, pronouncing against them many and grievous woes because of their unjustifiable hypocrisy. While sitting in the court of the wo- men, Jesus looked up at the worshipers as they deposited their gifts in the treas- ure chests placed there for their reception. Among others there came a poor widow, whose offering did not exceed in value one-twelfth of a cent, and as she depos- ited it the Lord commended her as giving more than all the others,— it was all she had. Certain Greeks, Gentile "prose- lytes of the gate," desired to see him, but his answer indicates that he knew that the motive behind their anxiety was simply a feeling of curiosity, and hence not particularly worthy of encourage- ment. Jesus was now occupied with thoughts of his approaching death, and as he spoke of this, and uttered a short prayer, there came an audible voice from heaven testifying to his character and work. He continued to speak of the importance of accepting, and the danger of rejecting, the true Light. Many of the rulers were led to believe on him. Shortly after this he left the temple for the last time. As they were passing out the disciples called his attention to the splendor of the building. This caused him to speak at length of the awful fate awaiting both city and temple. At length reaching the Mount of Olives, the disci- Luke. John. 12:50. 21:5 54 JESUS THE NAZARENE). Matt. Mark. 26:5. 26: 14-16 I3--37- 26:17 26:20. pies asked a further explanation, desiring to know especially the time of these events. This led Jesus to speak in a strange, almost enigmatical strain, in which he so combined his statements re- specting the destruction- of Jerusalem and respecting his own second coming, that it is for us to-day quite difficult, if not im- possible, to separate them. He then spoke two parables,— the Ten Virgins and the Talents,— closing with some statements relative to his betrayal. After this the}' went to Bethany and stayed all night. It was probably on this evening that Judas bargained with the chief priests for his betrayal. 1 Wednesday, Nisan ij, April 5. He seems to have spent this day in Bethany in quiet. 2 Thursday, Nisan 14, April 6. THE PASSOVER. This proved to be the most eventful day of all thus far; however, not much occurred until evening. During most of the day Jesus remained at Bethany. He sent Peter and John into the city, prob- ably in the earlier part of the day, to prepare the Passover for him and the Twelve, indicating to them how they should find a suitable room. In the evening, with the remaining ten, he went into the city, and proceeded directly to the room where the feast was prepared. At some time during the evening, it may be while they were deciding the places Luke, to 21:36. John. 21:37 to 22:6. 22:7 to 22:24-30 1 So Alford and Andrews. Farrar and Geikie prefer Saturday after the anointing at the house of Simon. 2 So Andrews, Geikie, Farrar, Weiseler, EHicott. PASSION WEEK. 55 Matt. Mark. 26: 2I-2J 14:18-21 26:26-35 26:30. 14:26 26.36 'they should occupy at the table, there arose among the disciples a strife as to which of them should be the greatest in the coming kingdom. Noticing this, Jesus, in order to teach them a lesson of humility, took a basin of water and pro- ceeded to wash their feet, a service which the}' should have performed for him in- stead. After this, while eating the feast, he told them that one of them should betray him, and, to John at least, pointed out Judas as the traitor. Judas, notic- ing that his purposes were being made known, withdrew at once to complete the betrayal; the other disciples thought that he went out to secure something for the further days of the feast. After Judas had withdrawn, possibly before, Jesus insti- tuted the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, and spoke of what was about to come upon him ; he warned them also that dur- ing the night they would all desert him. Peter's self-assurance caused the Lord to warn him especially. He continued to speak to them, discoursing respecting the Comforter, and of the necessity of their "abiding" in him, closing the evening service with his great intercessor}' prayer. The}' then sang a hymn, and withdrew from the room. THE ARREST. As he had done on previous evenings, Jesus started in the direction of Bethany, accompanied by the Eleven. When they arrived at the garden of Gethsemane he turned aside and entered the enclosure. Leaving eight of the number at the en- trance, he took with him Peter, James, and John and withdrew into the midst of the garden, " and began to be sorrow- Luke. J0J11 13:: 22:21-23 22:31-38 17:26. 56 JESUS THE NAZARENE. Matt. Mark. 26:56. fill and sore troubled" (Matthew). He then withdrew from the three and prayed for some time; when he returned he found them all asleep. Twice more did he withdraw for prayer, and each time upon his return he found the disciples asleep. Upon his return the third time, Judas appeared with a band of officers and a multitude of people who had come out to arrest him. When Jesus saw them coming he went to them and asked, "Whom seek ye?" They told him that they were seeking Jesus of Nazareth, and he replied, "I am he," and the crowd fell back in confusion. He repeated the question, and to their reply said again, "I am he ' ' ( John ). Judas, seeing that they were awaiting his action, stepped forward and, according to the prearranged plan, saluted Jesus with ' ' Hail, Rabbi; and kissed him ' ' (Matthew). The officers then arrested Jesus. Peter, however, drew a sword brought from the room of the supper, and smote a servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. At once Jesus healed the wound and bade Peter put up his sword. The disciples, seeing Jesus in the hands of his enemies, took to flight, except that a young man, possibly Mark, followed him for some distance and then also fled. Peter and John, recovering at length from their fright, followed at a distance, and through the influence of John were admitted into the palace of the high priest. The arrest occurred proba- bly about midnight. Friday, Nisa?i 15, April 1 /. THE TRIAL. Jesus was taken at once to Annas, ex- high priest and father-in-law to Caiaphas, Luke, John. 18:2 22:53- PASSION WEEK. 57 Matt. Mark. 26:57 to 27:2. H:53 to 15:1. 27:3 to 15:2 to probably in recognition of his influence. After a very brief hearing he sent him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the members of the Sanhedrin were already assembled, probably about 1 a.m. After repeated efforts to find testimony against him had failed, they informally pro- nounced him worthy of death because he had openly avowed that he was the Christ, the Son of the Blessed, and then adjourned to meet after daylight to ratify the finding. During this trial occurred the denial of Peter, while standing with the enemies of Jesus in the open court around a fire. When the Sanhedrin ad- journed they left Jesus in the hands of the rabble, by whom he was greatly abused, being spit upon, blindfolded, and smitten on the face. After daybreak the Sanhedrin again assembled and, after a few questions, formally pronounced sentence against him, and immediately led him to Pilate, the Roman procurator, to have their sentence confirmed, as they had no authority to inflict the death penalty. Judas, learning that Jesus was con- demned and in a fair way to death, re- pented of his treachery and brought the money back to the chief priests, and then went out and hanged himself. Jesus was now before Pilate. His ac- cusers did not enter the judgment hall, because going into the house of a Gentile would defile them, and they would not be permitted to participate further in the feast; hence, Pilate came out to them, and demanded their charge. They first accused Jesus of being a malefactor, and Pilate at once directed them to take him and judge him themselves. But this they had no authority to do. He then Luke. 22:54. 22:55 to 23:1. John. 18:27. 23:2 to 18:28 to 58 JESUS THE NAZARENE. Mail. 27:14. Mark. J5--5- 27:15 to IS-'* to 15:14- took Jesus with him into the hall of judg- ment and asked him, ' ' Art thou the King of the Jews?" (I^uke.) Though Jesus replied in the affirmative, Pilate turned to the Jews with the statement, "I find no fault in this man" (I/uke). Still further aroused b}^ the manifest danger that their wishes would not be gratified, they charged Jesus with creating disturbance among the people even from Galilee to Jerusalem. Hearing mention of Galilee, Pilate was pleased, because Herod, the tetrarch of Galilee, was then in the city, and he at once sent Jesus to him for trial. Herod was also pleased with this, because for a long time he had desired to see Jesus. But he was disappointed when Jesus re- fused to reply to any of his inquiries; he also hoped to see him work some miracle. The silence of Jesus in his presence caused Herod to turn against him, and he made Jesus an object of derision before the members of his court, and then returned him to Pilate. This compliment of Pilate to Herod resulted in the restoration of friendship between the two rulers. Upon the return of Jesus, Pilate ad- dressed the Jews, saying that neither he nor Herod had found any fault with Jesus, and hence he would release him according to the custom to release one prisoner during the Passover. But they vehemently objected, demanding instead the release of one Barabbas, a notorious insurrectionist and murderer. When Pi- late asked what he should do with Jesus, they cried out at once, ' ' Crucify, crucify him" (Iyuke). About this time Pilate's wife, Claudia Procula, sent a message to Pilate urging him to have nothing to do Luke. I John. 2 S:jS. 2?:6 23:21. 18:39,40 PASSIOX WEEK. 59 Matt. 27:23. J fork. 13:15-20 27:3I- 27 ■•32J3 15:21,22 with, the case, as she had suffered much in a dreani concerning Jesus. Pilate then proposed to scourge him and let him go free. But to this his enemies would not consent. The}* still called for his crucifix- ion and for the release of Barabbas. Pilate yielded, and ordered Jesus to be scourged preparatory to crucifixion. But yet he half repented, and renewed his efforts for the release of Jesus; but the Jews renewed their attack, now demanding his death because he claimed to be the Son of God. This accusation caused Pilate to take him again into the judgment hall. After ex- amining him further, he seemed deter- mined to release him. But now the Jews raised the cry that if he released Jesus he would show himself disloyal to Csesar. This aroused a fear of Csesar that quickly influenced Pilate's mind. He then took water and washed his hands, thus indi- cating that he was unwilling to bear any part of the responsibility in the case, and pronounced final sentence of death, and Jesus was delivered over to be crucified. The soldiers to whom he was delivered, taking advantage of his seemingly help- less situation, heaped upon Jesus all manner of mocker}* and insult. When they led him out to crucifixion they laid upon him the transverse beam of the cross . * But this soon proved too heavy for Jesus in his exhausted condition, and the}* compelled one Simon of Cyrene to bear it. The}* were followed by many wo- men of the city, weeping because of the fate that awaited Jesus; but he told them JLuke. John. '"The cross was an upright pale or beam, intersected by a transverse one at right angles. ... To this cross the criminal, being stripped of his clothes, was fixed by nails driven through the hands and (not always, nor perhaps generally,) through the feet, sepa- rate or united. The body was not supported by the nails, but by a piece of wood which passed between the legs."— Alford on Matt. 27:35. 6o JESUS THE NAZARKNE. Matt. Mark. 27-34-38 15:23. 15:24-32 27:39-44 27:45-47 15:33-35 27:48, 49 15:36- 27:50. i5:37- they needed to weep rather for themselves and for their children. At length they reached Golgotha, the place of crucifix- ion. THE CRUCIFIXION. The hour of the crucifixion was proba- bly about nine o'clock in the morning. Before crucifying him they offered Jesus a drink prepared to produce stupefac- tion, but he declined to take it. While they were driving the nails into his flesh he spoke the first of the seven utterances on the cross, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (L,uke). After the cross was erected the soldiers sat down to divide his clothes, while the rabble indulged in wild rejoicing and wicked reviling. Two thieves were cru- cified with him. They, too, joined in the reviling, until one at length became con- vinced of the superior character of Jesus and prayed, "Jesus, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom" (Luke). Jesus replied, ' ' To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise" (Luke). Looking down near the cross, he saw his mother, and near her the apostle John, and he spoke the third time, saying, "Woman, behold, thy son ! ' ' and to John , ' ' Behold , thy mother ! ' ' (John.) Following this occurred the three hours of darkness, from 12 m. to 3 p.m., during which some still lingered near the cross . As the darkness passed away Jesus cried aloud — "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew.) Shortly after, he spoke again, "I thirst" (John); then waiting a short time, he said, " It is finished " (John), and followed this with the seventh and last utterance, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit" (Luke), bowed his head, and died. Luke. John 23:43- 23:44,45 23:46-4 19:23, 24 19:25-27 19:28-30 PASSION WEEK. 61 Matt. 27-SI-56 Mark. 15:38-41 27:57-61 15:42-47 27: 62-66 At this the earth quaked, the veil of the temple between the Holy and the Most Holy places was rent from top to bottom, a number of graves were opened, "and many bodies of the saints that had fallen asleep were raised; and coming forth out of the tombs after his resurrection they entered into the holy city and appeared unto man}-" (Matthew). As it was the day before the Sabbath, the Jews requested Pilate to order the soldiers to break the legs of those who had been crucified, that their death might be hurried, so that their bodies might be removed before the Sabbath. Coming to Jesus, they found him already dead, and they passed him without breaking his legs, but thrust a spear into his side. Toward evening Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin and a believer in Jesus ( " he had not consented to their counsel and deed ' ' — Luke ), came to Pilate to obtain permission to bury the body of Jesus. Having obtained his request, he went out with Nicodemus, also a member of the Sanhedrin, and took the body of Jesus down from the cross, and laid it in his own private sepulcher, just newly built in a garden near the place of the crucifixion. A number of women ob- served the burial. Saturday, Nisan 76, April 8. Duringthe Sabbath ( Saturday ) the body of Jesus la}- in the tomb. Toward evening the chief priests and Pharisees, remember- ing what he had said concerning rising from the dead, came to Pilate and requested him to station a guard at the tomb, lest the disciples should come and steal the Luke. John 23:50-56 i9:3i-37 19:38-42 62 JESUS THE NAZARENE. Matt. Mark. body away. Desiring to please them, Pilate granted the request, and they placed the governor's seal on the tomb, and stationed a guard of Roman soldiers to prevent any interference on the part of the disciples. Luke. John. CHAPTER VIII. Resurrection, Appearances, and Ascension. Matt. Mark. 16:1 28: Sunday, Nisan 17, April g. THE RESURRECTION. Early in the morning of the first da}' of the week, Mary Magdalene and Mar}' the mother of James, and Salome, with perhaps other women, having prepared the necessary articles, started to the tomb to complete the anointing of the bod}' of Jesus, evidently not aware of the seal- ing of the tomb and the placing of the guard. At some time in the morning there was an earthquake, and the angel of the Lord rolled back the stone from the tomb and sat upon it. At the sight of him the guards were affrighted, and fell back as dead men. The women at length drew near, won- dering as they came how the great stone should be removed from the door of the sepulcher. But when they came in sight of the tomb they saw the stone already removed. The guard had left before this time, and the women went on to the tomb, and at length entered it, only to be thrice surprised, — at the absence of Jesus' body, and at the presence of two apparently young men, who still further surprised them by telling them that Jesus was not there, but had risen, and that they should go and tell his disciples. Marv Magdalene hurriedly left the tomb 63 Luke. John. 24:1 6 4 JESUS THE NAZARENE. Matt. Mark. 16:9-11. 28:9, 10. 16:12,13 . 16:14. and went into the city, where she met Peter and John. She told them what they had seen and heard, and the two, greatly excited, ran to the sepulcher, Mary following after them. John ran the faster, and reaching the tomb, stooped down, and looking in saw nothing bnt the burial clothes. Peter, coming shortly afterward, entered the tomb, and John followed him, and both were convinced that Jesus had risen. They then returned to the city. THE APPEARANCES ON SUNDAY. Mary Magdalene reached the tomb soon after John and Peter left, and stood out- side weeping. Presently Jesus appeared to her, but she did not recognize him until he addressed her by name. About this same time he appeared to the other women also, with the salutation, "All hail" (Matthew). During the day two of the disciples went to Emmaus. On the way Jesus appeared to them, but concealed his iden- tity until in the evening during supper, when they recognized him in the breaking of bread; "and he vanished out of their sight" (Luke). Excited by this, they immediately returned to the city, where they found the Eleven met together dis- cussing an appearance of Jesus to Peter. They reported his appearance to them at Emmaus, and while they were talk- ing he suddenly stood in their midst, and saluted them with ' ' Peace be unto you" (Luke). By showing them his hands and feet he convinced them of his identity, and later he ate with them. During the evening he breathed upon them, and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost" (John). Luke. John. 24:12. 20:18. 24:13 to 20:18-23 24:49. RESURRECTION, APPEARANCES, AND ASCENSION. Matt. Mark. •16-20 16:15-18 Monday, April 10— Wednesday, May 17. OTHER APPEARANCES. Thomas was not present at the meeting on Sunday evening, and he refused to be- lieve what the others had told him. A week later the apostles were together again, and Thomas was with them. Jesus again appeared, and asked Thomas espe- cially to notice the evidences of his resur- rection, that he might be fully convinced; and Thomas said, ' ' My Lord and my God ' ' ( John ) . He did not appear again for some time, and the disciples began to return to their former occupations. On a certain occasion Peter and seven others of the apostles spent the night on the Sea of Gali- lee, fishing, with no success. In the early dawn the}- were addressed by a stranger standing on the shore, who suggested that the\- ' ' cast the net on the right side of the boat" (John). They did so, and took a vast multitude of fishes. John declared at once, * ' It is the Lord ' ' (John ) ; and Peter sprang into the water and swam ashore, the others following in a boat. On the shore they found a fire kindled and some fish being cooked, preparatory to a meal. They were asked to bring of their catch and dine. After the meal, occurred that peculiarly interesting con- versation between Jesus and Peter in which Peter thrice avowed his love for his Lord, whom he had recently thrice denied. Some time after this Jesus appeared upon an unnamed mountain in Galilee, where he gave the Great Commission. 1 Paul tells us (I. Cor. 15 : 7) that at a later Lttke. John, 21:25. This appearance is probably identical with that named by Paul in I. Cor. 15 :6. 5 66 JESUS THE NAZARENE. Matt. Mark. 16:19. time he appeared to James, an appearance not recorded in the Gospels. Thursday, May 18. THE ASCENSION. Forty days after his resurrection Jesus again met the disciples in Jerusalem. He there conversed with them for some time, especially reiterating the promise of the Holy Spirit, and urging them to remain in Jerusalem awaiting his coming. He then led them out near Bethany, convers- ing on the way. At length he lifted up his hands and blessed them, and while blessing them he was " parted from them, and was carried up into heaven" (Luke), "and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel ; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven ? this Jesus, which was received up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven." "Amen: come, Lord Jesus." Luke. John. Acts. '4:50-53 1:4 to 1:12. APPENDIX. Palestine — Its Places, People, and Institutions Mentioned in the Gospels. Bethab ara. A town near the river Jordan, probably east of Jericho, although it may have been farther north. It was the place where "John at first baptized," and to which Jesus retired after the feast of Dedication. Jesus was probably baptized near this place. Bethany. A small village situated on the eastern slope of Olivet, about one and one-half miles from Jerusalem. It was the home of Mar}*, Martha, and Lazarus, and was frequently visited by Jesus. Bethesda, Pool of, A pool located, according to Geikie, at the northwest corner of the temple area; one hundred and sixty-five feet long and foity-eight feet wide. Bethlehem. A village located about six miles south of Jeru- salem, on a ridge 2,550 feet above sea level. Being the place of David's birth, it was called "the city of David." It was also the place of Rachel's death and burial. Bethsaida. A town in Galilee, near the head of the Sea of Galilee, on the west side of the Jordan. It was the birthplace of Philip, Andrew, and Peter, and was frequently visited by Jesus. The exact location is not known. Bethsaida Julias. A village, afterward a city, on the east side of the Jordan, near which Jesus fed the 5,000. Ca3Sare / a. The Roman capital of Judaea. It was formerly a city of great splendor, but is now inhabited only by robbers and wild animals. Caesare'a Philip'pi. A city situated about one hundred and twent}^ miles northeast of Jerusalem; perhaps visited once by Jesus. 67 68 JESUS THE NAZARENE. Cana. The place of Jesus' first miracle; a small village, the exact location of which is not known, but probably identical with Kefr Kenna, about four miles northeast of Nazareth; some authors prefer Kana el-Jelil, about seven miles northeast of Nazareth. Capernaum, An important city in the time of Jesus, but now so completely in ruin that its exact location is not known. It was near the head of the Sea of Galilee, on the west side, and was the home of Jesus during his public life. Cliorazin. A city or village in the vicinity of Capernaum, now in ruin. The exact location is not certain. Dalmanu tlia, A town south of Capernaum on the seashore. The exact location is not known. Dead Sea. The size of this sea is about ten by forty-six miles. The surface is 1,300 feet below sea level. The water is clear and beautiful, but salt and bitter. The sea contains no living thing, and has no outlet. The cliffs on the west side are 1,500 to 2,200 feet high. Decap'olis. A district of country east of the Jordan, and extend- ing from a short distance south of the Sea of Galilee north as far as Damascus, including ten cities. The boundaries are not definitely determined. Dedication, Feast Of. An annual feast of rejoicing, kept in commemoration of the renewal of the temple service after its suspension by Antiochus Epiphanes, B.C. 167. It continued one week. Emmaus. A small village probably seven or eight miles north- east of Jerusalem. The exact location is uncertain. E phraim. A town or city about eight miles north of Jerusa- lem. The exact location is uncertain. Galilee, Sea of. Its size is eight by fifteen miles, and its sur- face is six hundred and eighty -two feet below sea level. The course of the Jordan is perceptible throughout the entire length of the sea. On account of the depression of the sea below the surrounding country, it is subject to very sudden storms, especially from the winds coming over the eastern tablelands. It is very full of fish. APPENDIX. 69 Geiiiies aret. A plain on the west shore of the Sea of Gali- lee, sonth of Capernaum, about one mile wide and three miles long. It was very productive. Getlisein ane. An olive garden or orchard on the west slope of Olivet. Its exact location is somewhat disputed. Gol gotlia. The place of the crucifixion. By tradition, it is held to be near the site of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, on the west side of, and within, the present city of Jerusalem. Modern investigators, however, quite generally prefer a point just north of the city. It was near, yet without, the city in the time of Christ. Hat tin. Horns Of*. A row of hills or low mountains on the west side of the Sea of Galilee, not far from Capernaum; probably the place of the Sermon on the Mount. Hernion, Mount. The most conspicuous mountain in Pales- tine. It is one of the peaks at the southern extremity of the Anti- Lebanon range. Its height is 10,000 feet. It was probably the scene of the Transfiguration. Herods of the New Testament. Herod was the name of an Indumaean family who, under Roman authority, ruled over the Jewish nation in New Testament times. The name is applied to four different persons by New Testament writers. 1. Herod the Great, called, in Matthew 3:1, "Herod the king." He was a son of Antipater, who was made procurator of Judaea by Julius Caesar B.C. 47. Antipater made his son, Herod the Great, governor of Galilee. B.C. 40 he was made king of Judaea by act of the Roman senate. He slew his wife's grandfather Hyrcanus, Mariamne his favorite wife, and three of his sons, Alexander, Aris- tobulus, and Antipater. He died B.C. 4. 2. Herod Antipas, called "the tetrarch," and twice "the king" ( Matt. 14 : 9; Mark 6:4). He was the son of Herod the Great, brother of Archelaus, half-brother of Philip I., whose wife he incestuously married, and also half-brother of Philip II., tetrarch of the Bashan district. He was appointed tetrarch of Galilee after the death of his father, Herod the Great, and ruled till a.d. 38. He slew John the Baptist. Jesus appeared before him in his trial. 70 v JESUS THE NAZARENE. 3. Herod Agrippa I. was the son of Aristobulus (mentioned under No. 1) and grandson of Herod the Great. He was made governor of the Bashan district by the emperor Caius Caligula a.d. 37; later was given Persea and Galilee, and in a.d. 41 was given also Judaea and Samaria, thus possessing a territory equal to that of Herod the Great. It was by his order that the apostle James was slain and Peter thrown into prison. He died suddenly and very miserably at Csesarea, a.d. 44. See Acts 12 : 21-23. 4. Herod Agrippa II. He was the son of Agrippa I., and was given the principality of Chalcis by the emperor Claudius a.d. 48. Four years later he was given instead the former tetrarchies of Philip II. and Eysanias, with the title of king, and in connection with this the superintendence of the temple at Jerusalem. In a.d. 55 the emperor Nero added to his dominions several cities and villages of Galilee. It was before him that Paul made the address of Acts 26. He died at Rome a.d. 100, in his seventieth year. Jer'icllO. The first city conquered by Joshua; fifteen miles from Jesusalem, a little north of east; about six miles west of the Jordan. Jerusalem. The most important city of Palestine. The elevation above sea level is 2,500 feet. It is built on two summits — Mt. Moriah and Mt. Zion. The Tyropcean Valley divides the city from north to south; the valley of Kedron or Jehoshaphat passes on the east side, and the valley of Hinnoni on the west and south sides. History. — Probably Salem of Genesis 14:18; captured by David, B.C. 1046; by Shishak of Egypt, B.C. 970; recaptured by Jehoash, king of Israel, B.C. 830; fortified by Uzziah, B.C. 807; improved by Jonathan and Hezekiah, B.C. 755 to 726; city and temple pillaged by Egyptians, B.C. 609; captured by Nebuchadnezzar, B.C. 606 to 598; temple repaired by order of Cyrus king of Persia, b.c. 536 to 516; Ezra made gover- nor, B.C. 469; captured by Alexander the Great, B.C. ^22; captured and plundered by Ptolemy, of Egypt, B.C. 324; captured by Anti- ochus the Great, b.c. 200; temple profaned by Antiochus Ephiphanes, B.C. 167; the Maccabees obtained control B.C. 163; invaded and captured by Lysias, the governor of Syria, about B.C. 160; recaptured by Simon Maccabeus, B.C. 142; captured by Pompey of Rome, b.c. 6y, APPENDIX. 71 city and temple destroyed by Titus of Rome, a.d. 70; rebuilt by Hadrian, a.d. 131; Barcocheba, a Jew, obtained possession a.d. 132; recaptured by Romans, a.d. 135, and named ^Elia Capitolina. The Jews were not allowed afterward to enter the city until the middle of the fourth centur}-. Pilgrimages of Christians to Jerusalem began a.d. 326, when it was visited by Helena, the mother of Constantine. Since the fall of the Roman empire, the city has man}- times been captured and recaptured. It has been in the hands of the Turks since a.d. 1847. Jor'dan River. The principal river of Palestine, and the only river named in the Gospels. Its sources are in the Lebanon Moun- tains, and it empties into the Dead Sea. In its course it falls 3,012 feet. It is narrow, deep, and swift till near its mouth. It is very crooked, its length, following its course between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, being more than three times its direct length. Judaea, Wilderness of. A district of country extending from Bethanj* to the Jordan and south, mountainous and waste, and never cultivated, being occupied chiefly b}* robbers. 3Iachaerus. A strong fortress on the frontier of Persea and Arabia. Josephus says that it was the place of the execution of John the Baptist, 1 and hence was probably the place of his impris- onment. ?Iag dala. A town on the west shore of the Sea of Galilee, south of Capernaum. Its exact location is not known. ?Ioriall, Mount. The summit on which the temple stood. Its height is about 2,500 feet. Nain. A small town of Galilee, situated about four miles from Mt. Tabor and twenty-five miles southwest of Capernaum. Naz areth. The home of Jesus during his early life. It is sit- uated among the mountains, 1,200 feet above sea level, twenty-five miles from Capernaum, and about sixty miles from Jerusalem. It was unknown to history* previous to New Testament times. Its present population is about 4,700. 'Antiquities, XVIII., 5, ■?.. 7 2 JESUS THE NAZARENE. Olives, Blount Of. A rounded hill east of Jerusalem, and separated from the city by the valley of Kedron. Its summit is about one-fifth of a mile from the temple on an air line; by the road, 3,075 feet. Its height is 2,700 feet. Pal estine. Names.— Canaan, Holy Land, Palestine. Size — About one hundred and ninety-three miles long by seventy-five miles average width. Divisions in Time of Christ. — Judaea, Samaria, and Galilee west of the Jordan; Persea and Philip's tetrarchy east. Generally mountainous. Climate. — Very fine in the dry season; slight frosts in winter. Products. — Wheat, barley, millet, fruits. History. — Palestine was settled by descendants of Canaan, the fourth son of Ham, and was for ages the home of idolatrous tribes. It was conquered by Joshua, B.C. 145 1 to 1425, and remained in possession of Israel until B.C. 721, when the northern part was conquered by Sargon, king of Assyria. B.C. 586 the southern part was conquered by Nebuchadnezzar, and in B.C. 536 the entire country became subject to Cyrus, king of Persia, who permitted the return of the Jews carried captive to Babylon, and the rebuilding of the temple destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. B.C. 332 the country was conquered by Alex- ander the Great, and in b.c. 312 it passed under the control of the Seleucidae, between whom and the Ptolemies of Egypt it alternated until B.C. 198, when the power of the Ptolemies was broken, and Palestine was again subject to the Seleucidae. Thus it remained until b.c. 158, when the Jews, under the leadership of the Macca- bees, again secured national independence. This condition continued till the conquest by Rome, B.C. 63. The Jews again rebelled against the Roman authority in a.d. 66, and were reconquered by Titus a.d. 70. In the sixth century the country was conquered by the Mohammedans, and in a.d. 1099 was recaptured by the Crusaders and again placed under European rule. In a.d. 1187 it was again conquered by the Mohammedans, and in a.d. 1517 by the Turks, who, notwithstanding several subsequent defeats, still hold posses- sion. PaSS / Over, The greatest of the Jewish feasts, and one of the three which all of the Jews were required to attend, if possible. It APPENDIX. 73 was kept in memory of the deliverance from Egypt. It began with the feast of unleavened bread, which was eaten on the evening of the close of the 14th Xisan, counting the day to end at sunset. It continued for one week. Josephus says that frequently 3,000,000 people attended the feast, and that as man}' as 256,000 lambs were slain and eaten. On account of their system of keeping time, using intercalary months, the feast did not occur each year at the same time in the 3-ear. In the year of the crucifixion, Nisan 14 fell on April 6, counting that Xisan 14 closed at sunset. Pen'tecost. The second of three great annual feasts. It occurred fifty days after the Passover, and lasted but one day. It was the Jewish harvest-home. Pharisees. The extreme religionists of the Jews in the time of Christ, especially devoted to the observance of the law as interpreted by the traditions. The}" were ritualists rather than moralists. They formed the middle class of people, were more numerous than the Sadducees, and were bitter enemies of Jesus. Publicans. This name represents neither a class nor a party, but rather an occupation. They were men who followed buying of the government the privilege of collecting the taxes in certain dis- tricts, which implied the right to exact of the people about as they chose. They were especially noted for oppression and extortion. They were greatly hated by the Jews, and were classed among the very lowest. Pu'rim. An annual feast in the month of March, kept in memorjr of the deliverance of the Jews from the murderous intentions of Haman. Rabbis* These were teachers. The term is almost, but not entirely, synonymous with scribe. The recognized rabbis in the time of Christ were chiefly Pharisees. Their teaching was held to be superior in authority to that of the law. The Mishna declares it a greater crime to speak against the rabbis than against the law. Sadducees. In the time of Christ, the liberalists, in teaching and practice. They discredited traditions, and accepted only the teach- ing of Moses. They were moralists rather than ritualists, and consti- 74 JESUS THE NAZARENE. tuted the more wealthy class of the community — the upper classes. They were a comparatively small party, and were unpopular with the masses. They denied the immortality of the soul and the resurrection. Scribes. Copyists and teachers of the law. They were mostly Pharisees, but were not confined to any party. Si don. One of the oldest cities of the world, — the "mother of Phoenicia, " — situated on the east coast of the Mediterranean. Sil oaill, Pool of. A pool at the union of the Tyropcean and Kedron valleys, supplied with water brought in a subterranean channel from the Fountain of the Virgin, on the west side of the valley of Jehoshaphat. Sy'char. A village of Samaria, in the valley between Mounts Kbal and Gerizim, near Jacob's well. Synagogue. A congregation of ten or more Jews. It grew out of necessities caused by the Babylonian captivity, and assumed especial importance about the time of the Maccabees. In Jerusalem, in the time of Christ, there were four hundred and eighty syna- gogues. The term synagogue was applied to both the congregation and the place of worship. Tabernacles, Feast of. The third of the three great annual feasts. It was kept in commemoration of dwelling in tents in the wilderness, and was a feast of thanksgiving. It began on Tisri 15, and lasted one week, the first and last days being counted Sabbaths. The last day was "the great day of the feast." Tab'or, Mount. An isolated peak in Galilee. Its height is about 2,000 feet. By some it is thought to be the scene of the Transfiguration . Temple, The. The temple of Christ's time was begun by Herod the Great, B.C. 20-17, but was not completed until a.d. 65. It was modeled after the temple built by Solomon. The size of the temple proper was thirty by ninety feet. It was surrounded by chambers and porticoes. It stood in a walled enclosure, the dimensions of which were about nine hundred and ninety feet on the north, one thousand feet on the east, nine hundred and ten on the APPENDIX. 75 south, and one thousand and sixty on the west. The outer part of this area was called the court of the Gentiles. Within this was the sacred enclosure — three hundred feet north and south by six hundred and thirty feet east and west — within which onl}- Jews might enter. The eastern part of this enclosure was the court of the women, or " the treasurj-," an open space of about two hundred and fort}' feet square. At the east side of this space is believed to have been the portico called "Solomon's Porch," entered through the "beautiful gate." West of the court of the women was the court of Israel, an open corridor three hundred and twent}^ feet east and west by two hundred and fort}' feet north and south, sixteen feet deep on the north and south sides, and twenty-four feet on the east and west sides. Within this was the court of the priests, about two hundred and seventy-five feet long east and west b} T two hundred feet north and south. Within this w T as the temple proper — not far from the west wall of the temple area and facing east. The temple proper was divided into two parts — the Holy Place and Most Holy Place. These were separated by a heav} T curtain or veil. The entire enclos- ure was frequenth* called "the temple." Tyre. One of the most important commercial cities of antiquity, belonging to Phoenicia, on the east coast of the Mediterranean. GENERAL INDEX. Abia, course of, at the temple, 10. Adulterous woman, 42. Alexander the Great, 17. Andrew called, 23. Annas, Jesus before, 56. Appearances of Jesus after resurrection, 64, 65. Archelaus, ethnarch of Judaea, 16, 23. Arrest of Jesus, 56. Ascension of Jesus, 66. Augustus Caesar, emperor, 9, 16, 19. Baptism of Jesus, 22. date of, 10, 11, 15. Barabbas, release of, asked, 58. Bartimeus healed, 48. Bothabara, Jesus at, 45, 46. Bethany visited by Jesus, 42, 45, 47, 49, 50, et seq. Bethsaida Julias visited, 36, 39. Birth of Jesus, 19. date of, 9, 10, 11, 15. "Bread of Life," Jesus the, 37. Burial of Jesus, 61. C^saeea Philippi, Jesus near, 39. Caiaphas, argued for doath of Jesus, 47. Jesus before, 57. Cana visited by Jesus, 23, 25. Capernaum, first visit of Jesus to, 23. chosen by Jesus as his home, 27. Cave of Nativity, 19. Children received by Jesus, 48. Circumcision of Jesus, 20. "Comforter," the, promised, 55. Conspiracy against Jesus, 26, 29. Cross, the, of Calvary, 59. Crucifixion of Jesus, the, 60, 61. date of, 11-15. hour of, 15. Decapolis, Jesus journeyed through, 38. Dedication, feast of the, 13, 14. feast of, Jesus present at, 45. Disciples re-collected, 27. Divorce spoken of, 48. Emmaus, Jesus' appearanee at, after his resurrection, 64. Ephraim, Jesus at, 47 Faith spoken of, 47, 52. Feasts, Jewish, 14. mentioned in the Gospels, 13. Flight to Egypt, 20. Forgiveness spoken of, 40, 47. Galilee, first circuit of, 27. second circuit of, 29. third circuit of, 35. Gennesaret, 36. Gergesa, visited by Jesus, 32. Gethsemane, agony in, 55, 56. " Great Commission," 65. Greatest in the kingdom, 43, 55. Greeks desire to see Jesus, 53. Herod Antipas, enmity of, 45. Jesus before, 59. slew John the Baptist, 35. totrarch, 16. Herod the Great, 9, 16. death of, 9. Holy Spirit testified of Jesus, 22. Jacob's well, Jesus at, 24. Jericho, Jesus at, 48. Jerusalem, bewailed by Jesus, 45, 51. destruction of, foretold, 53, 54. triumphal entry of, 51. Jesus, agony of, 55. announced as Messiah, 23, 24. anointed, 30, 50. appearances of, after resurrection, 64, 65. 7 6 GENERAL INDEX. 77 arrest of, attempted, 41. arrested, 56. ascension of, 66. at wedding, 23. ate with Publicans, 32, 46. attempts made to stone, 42, 45. baptism of, 22. date of, 10, 11, 15. betrayal of, 56. birth of, 19. date of, 9, 10, 11, 15. burial of, 61. carpenter, a, 21. charged with being in league with Beelzebub, 31, 34, 44. charged with blasphemy, 28. circumcision of, 20. crucifixion of, 60, 61. date of, 11-15. hour of, 15. death and resurrection of, foretold, 39, 40, 48. dined with Pharisee, 30, 44, 46. feast of Levi, at, 32. home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, at, 42, 45, 47, 49. in prayer, 27, 29, 36, 55, 56. in retirement, at Bethabara, 45, 46. at Ephraim, 47. at or near Cana, 25. in Phoenicia, 38. near Caesarea Philippi, 39. journeys of, 13. Judaean ministry of, 23, 24. lodged with Zaccheus, 48. ministry, length of, 13. mocked, 59, 60. questioned in the temple, 52. rejected at Nazareth, 26, 35. rejected by Samaritans, 43. reproved Pharisees, 30, 31, 37, 44. resurrection of, 63. scourged, 59. sought by friends, 29, 31. supped with Simon the leper, 50. temptation of, 22. trial of, 56-59. washed disciples' feet, 55. John the Apostle called, 23. John the Baptist, beheaded, 35. birth of, 18. date of, 10. early life of, 21. in prison, 26. ministry of, 22, 24. date of beginning, 10, 11. promised, 10, 18. sent messengers to Jesus, 30. Joseph, death of, 21. Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus, 61. Journeys of Jesus, 13. Judas, bargained to betray Jesus, 54. betrayed Jesus, 56. hanged himself, 57. objected to the anointing of Jesus, 50. withdrew to betray Jesus, 55. Lawyer, questioned Jesus, 43. objected to Jesus' reply to Pharisees, 44. Lazarus, life of, sought, 50. Levi called, 28. Levites came to John, 23. Lord's Supper instituted, 55. Magi visited Jesus, 20. Miracles- draught of fishes, 27, 65. fig tree cursed, 51. five thousand fed, 36. four thousand fed, 38. general, 24. healings — blind, 31, 33, 39, 42, 48. centurion's servant, 29. demoniacs, 27, 32. dropsy, 46. dumb possessed, 33, 43. general, 27, 28, 29, 37, 38. impotent man, 26. infirm woman, 44. issue of blood, 33. leprosy, 43. lunatic, 39. Malchus's ear, 56. nobleman's son, 25. paralytic, 27. Peter's mother-in-law, 27. Syro-Phoenician maid, 38. withered hand, 28. raised to life- daughter of Jairus, 33. Lazarus, 47. widow's son, 29. shekel in fish's mouth, 40. stilled the storm, 32. walked on Sea of Galilee, 36. water made wine, 23. 7* JESUS THE NAZARENB. Nain visited by Jesus, 29. Nathanael called, 23. Nazareth the home of Jesus, 21. "New birth," 24. Nicodemus, taught by Jesus, 24. defended Jesus, 41. assisted to bury Jesus, 61. "Offences," 40, 47. Palestine, description, history, etc., see "Appendix." government of, in time of Christ, 16. inhabitants of, 16, 17. Parables- Barren Fig Tree, 44. Draw Net, 31. Friend at Midnight, 43. Good Samaritan, 43. Good Shepherd, 43. Goodly Pearl, 31. Great Supper, 46. Hid Treasure, 31. Laborers in Vineyard, 48. Leaven, 31, 45. Lost Piece of Money, 46. Lost Sheep, 40, 46. Marriage of King's Son, 52. Mustard Seed, 31, 45. Pharisee and Publican, 47. Pounds, 49. Prodigal Son, 47. Rich Fool, 44. Rich Man and Lazarus, 47. Sower, 31. Talents, 54. Tares, 31. Ten Virgins, 54. Two Debtors, 30. Two Sons, 52. Unjust Judge, 47. Unjust Steward, 47. Unmerciful Servant, 40. Wicked Husbandmen, 52. Passion week, 50-62. Passover, 11-15, 36. Jesus present at, 21, 23, 26, 51. number of, during ministry of Jesus, 13, 14. Passover supper, did Jesus eat last, 12. Pentecost, 14. Pereea, journey of Jesus through, 43. Peter, confessed Jesus, 37, 39. defended Jesus, 56. denied Jesus, 57. rescued from drowning, 36 warned of denial, 55. Philip called, 23. Philip the tetrarch, 16. Pilate, Jesus boforo, 57-59. procurator of Judsea, 16. Pilate's wife, 58. Procurators of Judaea, 16. Purim, feast of, 14, 15. Request of mother of James and John, 48. Resurrection of Jesus, 63. Sabbath, true doctrine of the, 28. Samaritan woman, Jesus conversed with, 24. Sanhedrin discussed putting Jesus to death, 47. Self-denial commended, 46, 48. Sermon on the Mount, 29. Seventy, the, sent out, 43. "Sign" asked, 38, 44. Simon Peter called, 23. Slaughter of innocents, 20. Tabernacles, feast of, 13, 14. Jesus present at, 4043. Temple, the, at Jerusalem, 17. cleansed, 23, 52. Temple, Samaritan, 17. Temptation of Jesus, 22. Thief converted, 60. Thomas convinced, 65. Tiberius Ceesar, 10, 11. Tomb of Jesus guarded, 62. Transfiguration, the, 39. Trial of Jesus, 56-59. Twelve, the, chosen, 29. sent out, 35. Tyre and Sidon, region of, visited, 38. " Unwashed hands," 37, 44. Voice from heaven, 53. Widow's mite, 53. Woes against scribes and Pharisees, 53. Zaccheus, Jesus lodged with, 48. Zacharias, the priest, 10, 18. SCRIPTURE INDEX. Page. 1. 19-25 19 2. 1-28 20 3. 1- 4. 11... 22 4. 12 26 4. 13-22 26,27 4. 23-25 27 5-7 29 8. 2-4 27 8. 5-13 29 8. 14-17 27 8. 18— 9. 1...31, 32 9. 2-9 27,28 9. 10-34 32-34 9. 35— 10. 42... 35 11. 1-30 29.30 12. 1-21 28,29 12. 22- 13. 52... 31 1. 1-14 22 1. 14,15 26 1. 16-20 27 1. 21-45 27 2. 1-14 27,28 2. 15-22 32,33 2. 23— 3. 12... 28,29 3. 13-19 29 3. 20,21 29 3. 22— 4. 34... 31 4. 35— 5. 21... 32 5. 22-43 33 6. 1-44 35,36 6. 45-56 36,37 7. 1-30 37, 3S 7. 31— 8. 26... 38,39 8. 27— 9. 1... 39 5-38. MATTHEW. Page. 13. 53-58 35 14. 1-21 "...35,36 14. 22-36 36,37 15. 1-28 37,38 15. 29— 16. 12... 38,39 16. 13— 18. 35... 39,40 19. 1, 2 43 19. 3— 20. 34... 47,48 21. 1-11 50,51 21. 12-17 51,52 21. 18,19 51 21. 20- 23. 39... 52,53 24. 1- 26. 5... 53,54 26. 6-13 50 26. 14-16 54 26. 17-20 54 26. 21-25 55 MARK. 9. 2-32 39,40 9. 33-50 40 10. 1 43 10. 2-31 47,48 10. 32-52 , 48 11. 1-18 50-52 11. 19 52 11. 20— 12. 44... 42,53 13. 1-37 53,54 14. 3-9 50 14. 10,11 54 14. 12-17 54 14. 18-21 55 14. 22-25 55 14. 26-52 55,56 14. 53— 15. 1... 57 15. 2-5 57,58 LUKE. 2. 1-39 19,20 2. 39-50 20,21 79 Page. 26. 26-35 55 26. 36-56 55,56 26. 57— 27. 14... 57,58 27. 15-23 58, 59 27. 24-31 59 27. 32,33 59 27. 34-38 60 27. 39-14 60 27. 45-47 60 27. 48,49 60 27. 50 60 27. 51-56 61 27. 57-61 61 27. 62-66 61 28. 1-8 63 28. 9,10 64 28. 16-20 65 15. 6-14 58 15. 15-20 59 15. 21,22 59 15. 23 60 15. 24-32 60 15. 33-35 60 15. 36 60 15. 37 60 15. 38-41 61 15. 42-47 61 16. 1-8 63 16. 9-11 64 16. 12,13 64 16. 14 64 16. 15-18 65 16. 19 66 2. 51,52 21 3. 1— 4. 13... 22 8o JESUS THE NAZARENE. LUKE — Continued. Page. 4. 14-31 26 4. 32-41 27 4. 42-44 27 5. 1-11 27 5. 12-15 27 5. 16 27 5. 17-28 27,28 5. 29-39 32,33 6. 1-11 28,29 6. 12— 7. 10... 29 7. 11— 8. 3... 29-31 8. 4-18 31 8. 19-21 31 8. 22-40 32 8. 41-56 38 9. 1-6 35 9. 7-17 35,36 9. 18-45 39 9. 9. 9. 9. 10. 10. 11. 13. 14. 17. 17. 18. 18. 18. 19. 19. 20. 21. 46-50 51-56 Page. 40 43 31 43 43 45 . 43, 44 . 44, 45 . 46, 47 43 47 48 48 . 48, 49 . 50, 51 . 51, 52 . 52, 53 . 53, 54 21. 22. 22. 22. 22. 22. 22. 22. 22. 23. 23. 23. 23. 23. 23. 24. 24. 24. 37 — 7-14. 15-20. 21-23. 24-30. 31-38. 39-53. 54.... 55 — 2-21. 22-25. 26-43. 44,45. 46-49. 50-56. 1-12. 13-49. 50-53. 22. 6. Page. 54 54 57-60 55 61,62 55 1-37 54 38-42 59. 10. 55 1- 12. 1-35 1- 17. 11-19 23. 1. . 55, 56 57 57 . 37. 58 20— 18. 14. 59 15-30 . 59, 60 31-34 60 35— 19. 29-44 45-48 28. 4. 60 61 . 63, 64 1- 21. 5-36 64 66 JOHN. 1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 6. 7. 10. 10. 11. 19— 2. 12... 22,23 13— 3. 23... 23,24 1-54 24,25 1-47 26 1-21 35,36 22-71 2- 10. 22-40 40-42 1-57 21. 37 40-43 45 46 47 12. 12. 12. 13. 18. 18. 18. 18. 19. 1-19 50,51 20-50 1- 17. 1 2-27 28., ),40. 49 19. 23, 24. ,51 19. 25-27 53 19. 28-30. 55 19. 31-37. 55 19. 38-42. ,57 20. 20. 1-18. ,58 18-23. 58 20. 24-29. ,60 21. 1-25. 60 61 61 63,64 64 65 65 ACTS. 1. 4-12. 'Rrrvav