Reference: Jesus Christ
American
The Son of God, the Messiah and Savior of the World, the first and principal object of the prophecies; who was prefigured and promised in the Old Testament; was expected and desired by the patriarchs; the hope and salvation of the Gentiles; the glory, happiness, and consolation of Christians. The name JESUS, in Hebrew JEHOSHUAH or Joshua, signifies Savior, or Jehovah saves. No one ever bore this name with so much justice, nor so perfectly fulfilled the signification of it, as Jesus Christ, who saves from sin and hell, and has merited heaven for us by the price of his blood. It was given to him by divine appointment, Mt 1:21, as the proper name for the Savior so long desired, and whom all the myriads of the redeemed in heaven will for ever adore as their only and all-glorious Redeemer.
JESUS was the common name of the Savior; while the name CHRIST, meaning the Anointed One, The Messiah, was his official name. Both names are used separately, in the gospels and also in the epistles; but JESUS generally stands by itself in the gospels, which are narratives of his life; while in the epistles, which treat of his divine nature and of his redeeming work, he is called CHRIST, CHRIST JESUS, or THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. See CHRIST.
Here, under the Redeemer's human name, belong the facts relating to his human nature and the history of his life upon earth. His true and complete humanity, having the soul as well as the body of man, is everywhere seen in the gospel history. He who is "God over all, blessed forever," was an Israelite "as concerning the flesh," Ro 9:5, and took upon him our whole nature, in order to be a perfect Savior. As a man, Jesus was the King of men. No words can describe that character in which such firmness and gentleness, such dignity and humility, such enthusiasm and calmness, such wisdom and simplicity, such holiness and charity, such justice and mercy, such sympathy with heaven and with earth, such love to God and love to man blended in perfect harmony. Nothing in it was redundant, and nothing was wanting. The world had never produced, nor even conceived of such a character, and its portraiture in the gospels is a proof of their divine origin, which the infidel cannot gainsay. Could the whole human race, of all ages, kindreds, and tongues, be assembled to see the crucified Redeemer as he is, and compare earth's noblest benefactors with Him, there would be but one voice among them. Every crown of glory and every meed of praise would be given to Him who alone is worthy-for perfection of character, for love to mankind, for sacrifices endured, and for benefits bestowed. His glory will forever be celebrated as the Friend of man; the Lamb sacrificed for us.
The visit of JESUS CHRIST to the earth has made it forever glorious above less favored worlds, and forms the most signal event in its annals. The time of his birth is commemorated by the Christian era, the first year of which corresponds to about the year 753 from the building of Rome. It is generally conceded, however, that the Savior was born at least four years before A. D. 1, and four thousand years after the creation of Adam. His public ministry commenced when he was thirty years of age; and continued, according to the received opinion, three and a half years. Respecting his ancestors, see GENEALOGY.
The life of the Redeemer must be studied in the four gospels, where it was recorded under the guidance of supreme wisdom. Many efforts have been made, with valuable results, to arrange the narrations of the evangelists in the true order of time. But as neither of the gospels follows the exact course of events, many incidents are very indeterminate, and are variously arranged by different harmonists. No one, however, has been more successful than Dr. Robinson in his valuable "Harmony of the Gospels".
The divine wisdom is conspicuous not only in what is taught us respecting the life of Jesus, but in what is withheld. Curiosity, and the higher motives of warm affection, raise numerous questions to which the gospels give no reply; and in proportion as men resort to dubious traditions, they lose the power of a pure and spiritual gospel. See further, concerning Christ, MESSIAH, REDEEMER, etc.
Jesus was not an uncommon name among the Jews. It was the name of the father of Elymas the sorcerer, Ac 13:6; and of Justus, a fellow-laborer and friend of Paul, Col 4:11. It is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, or Jeshua, borne by the high priest in Ezra's time, and by the well-known leader of the Jews in to the Promised Land. See also 1Sa 6:14; 2Ki 23:8. The Greek form of the word, Jesus, is twice used in the New Testament when Joshua the son of Nun is intended, Ac 7:45; Heb 4:8.
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And she will bear a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he will save his people from their sins.
which also our fathers received and brought in with Joshua, at their taking possession of the gentiles whom God drove out from before our fathers, until the days of David;
And when they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a certain magian, a Jewish false prophet, whose name was Barjesus,
whose are the fathers, and from whom, as to the flesh, was the Christ. He who is over all, God, be blessed for ever! Amen.
and Jesus, who is called Justus; who are of the circumcision; these only are my fellowworkers for the kingdom of God, who have been an encouragement unto me.
Fausets
(See JESUS.) ("Jehovah salvation"); for "He Himself (autos, not merely like Joshua He is God's instrument to save) saves His people from their sins" (Mt 1:21). CHRIST, Greek; MESSIAH, Hebrew, "anointed" (1Sa 2:10; Ps 2:2,6 margin; Da 9:25-26). Prophets, priests, and kings (Ex 30:30; 1Ki 19:15-16) were anointed, being types of Him who combines all three in Himself (De 18:18; Zec 6:13). "By one offering He hath perfected forever them that are being sanctified" (Heb 10:5,7,14; 7:25). "Christ," or the Messiah, was looked for by all Jews as "He who should come" (Mt 11:3) according to the Old Testament prophets. Immanuel "God with us" declares His Godhead; also Joh 1:1-18. (See IMMANUEL.) The New Testament shows that Jesus is the Christ (Mt 22:42-45).
Jesus is His personal name, "Christ" is His title. Appropriately, in undesigned confirmation of the Gospels, Acts, and epistles, the question throughout the Gospels is, whether Jesus is "The" (the article is always in the Greek) Christ (Mt 16:16; Joh 6:69), so in the first ministry of the word in Acts (Ac 2:36; 9:22; 10:38; 17:3). When His Messiahship became recognized "Christ" was used as His personal designation; so in the epistles.
Christ implies His consecration and qualification for the work He undertook, namely, by His unction with the Holy Spirit, of which the Old Testament oil anointings were the type; in the womb (Lu 1:35), and especially at His baptism, when the Holy Spirit (as a dove) abode on Him (Mt 3:16; Joh 1:32-33). Transl. Ps 45:7; "O God (the Son), Thy God (the Father) hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows." Full of this unction without measure (Joh 3:34) He preached at Nazareth as the Fulfiller of the scripture He read (Isa 61:1-3), giving "the oil of joy for mourning," "good tidings unto the meek" (Lu 4:17-21). Jesus' claim to be Messiah or "the Christ of God" (Lu 9:20), i.e. the anointed of the Father to be king of the earth (Ps 2:6-12; Re 11:15; 12:10), rests:
(1) On His fulfilling all the prophecies concerning Messiah, so far as His work has been completed, the earnest of the full completion; take as instances Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; Micah 5; Ho 6:2-3; Ge 49:10, compare Luke 2; "the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy" (Re 19:10; Lu 24:26,44-46; Ac 3:22-25).
(2) On His miracles (Joh 7:31; 5:36; 10:25,38). Miracles alleged in opposition, or addition, to Scripture cannot prove a divine mission (2Th 2:9; De 13:1-3; Mt 24:24), but when confirmed by Scripture they prove it indisputably.
Son of David expresses His title to David's throne over Israel and Judah yet to be (Lu 1:32-33). "King of Israel" (Joh 1:49), "King of the Jews" (Mt 2:2; 21:5), "King of Zion." As son of David He is David's "offspring"; as "root of David" (in His divine nature) He is David's "lord" (Re 22:16, compare Mt 22:42-45). His claim to the kingship was the charge against Him before Pilate (Joh 18:37; 19:3,12). The elect of God (Lu 23:35, compare Isa 42:1). The inspired summary of His life is, "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him" (Ac 10:38). To be "in Christ," which occurs upward of 70 times in Paul's epistles, is not merely to copy but to be in living union with Him (1Co 15:18; 2Co 12:2), drawn from Christ's own image (Joh 15:1-10). In Christ God is manifested as He is, and man as he ought to be. Our fallen race lost the knowledge of man as utterly as they lost the knowledge of God.
Humanity in Christ is generic (1Co 15:45,47), as the second "man" or "last Adam," "the Son of man" (a title used in New Testament only by Himself of Himself, except in Stephen's dying speech, Ac 7:56; from Da 7:13; marking at once His humiliation as man's representative Head, and His consequent glorification in the same nature: Mt 20:28; 26:64.) Sinless Himself, yet merciful to sinners; meek under provocation, yet with refined sensibility; dignified, yet without arrogance; pure Himself, yet with a deep insight into evil; Christ is a character of human and divine loveliness such as man could never have invented; for no man has ever conceived, much less attained, such a standard; see His portraiture, Mt 12:15-20. Even His own brethren could not understand His withdrawal into Galilee, as, regarding Him like other men, they took it for granted that publicity was His aim (Joh 7:3-4; contrast Joh 5:44). Jesus was always more accessible than His disciples, they all rebuked the parents who brought their infants for Him to bless (Lu 18:15-17), they all would have sent the woman of Canaan away.
But He never misunderstood nor discouraged any sincere seeker, contrast Mt 20:31 with Mt 20:24-32. Earthly princes look greatest at a distance, surrounded with pomp; but He needed no earthly state, for the more closely He is viewed the more He stands forth in peerless majesty, sinless and divine. (On His miracles, see MIRACLES and on His parables, see PARABLES.) He rested His teaching on His own authority, and the claim was felt by all, through some mysterious power, to be no undue one (Mt 7:29). He appeals to Scripture as His own: "Behold I send unto you prophets," etc. (Mt 23:34; in Lu 11:49, "the Wisdom of God said, I will send them prophets".) His secret spring of unstained holiness, yet tender sympathy, was His constant communion with God; at all times, so that He was never alone (Joh 16:32), "rising up a great while before day, in a solitary place" (Mr 1:35).
Luke tells us much of His prayers: "He continued all night in prayer to God," before ordaining the twelve (Lu 6:12); it was as He was "praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended, and (the Father's) voice came from heaven, Thou art My beloved Son," etc. (Lu 3:22); it was "as He prayed, the fashion of His countenance was altered, and His raiment was white and glistering" (Lu 9:29); when the angel strengthened Him in Gethsemane, "in an agony He prayed more earnestly," using the additional strength received not to refresh Himself after His exhausting conflict, but to strive in supplication, His example confirming His precept, Lu 13:24 (Lu 22:44; Heb 5:7). His Father's glory, not His own, was His absorbing aim (Joh 8:29,50; 7:18); from His childhood when at 12 years old (for it was only in His 12th year that Archelaus was banished and His parents ventured to bring Him to the Passover: Josephus, Ant. 17:15) His first recorded utterance was, "Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?" or else "in My Father's places" (Lu 2:49; Ps 40:6,8).
Little is recorded of His childhood, but as much as the Spirit saw it safe for us to know; so prone is man to lose sight of Christ's main work, to fulfill the law and pay its penalty in our stead. The reticence of Scripture as remarkably shows God's inspiration of it as its records and revelations. Had the writers been left to themselves, they would have tried to gratify our natural curiosity about His early years. But a veil is drawn over all the rest of His sayings for the first 30 years. "He waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom ... He increased in wisdom" (Lu 2:40,52), which proves that He had a" reasonable soul" capable of development, as distinct from His Godhead; Athanasian Creed: "perfect God and perfect man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting." His tender considerateness for His disciples after their missionary journey, and His compassion for the fainting multitudes, outweighing all thought; of His own repose when He was weary, and when others would have been impatient of their retirement being intruded on (Mr 6:30-37), are lovely examples of His human, and at the same time superhuman, sympathy (Heb 4:15). Then how utterly void was He of resentment for wrongs.
When apprehended, instead of sharing the disciples' indignation He rebuked it; instead of rejoicing in His enemy's suffering, He removed it (Lu 22:50-51); instead of condemning His murderers He prayed for them: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Lu 23:34). What exquisite tact and tenderness appear in His dealing with the woman of Samaria (John 4), as He draws the spiritual lesson from
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And she will bear a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he will save his people from their sins.
saying, Where is the king of the Jews that hath been born? for we saw his star in the East, and came to do him homage.
and when they had come into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and did homage to him; and opening their treasures, they presented him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
and was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "I called my son out of Egypt."
But John opposed him, saying, I have need to be baptized by thee, and dost thou come to me?
But John opposed him, saying, I have need to be baptized by thee, and dost thou come to me? And Jesus answering said to him, Suffer it now; for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. read more. And Jesus, as soon as he was baptized, went up from the water; and, lo! the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God, descending like a dove, coming upon him.
And Jesus, as soon as he was baptized, went up from the water; and, lo! the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God, descending like a dove, coming upon him. And lo! a voice from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
Then was Jesus led up by the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted by the Devil.
And the tempter came and said to him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.
Then the Devil taketh him into the holy city, and setteth him on the pinnacle of the temple;
Now when Jesus heard that John had been cast into prison, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazara, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, on the shore of the lake, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali; read more. that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, "The land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the lake beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people that sat in darkness, saw a great light; and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light arose." From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And while walking by the lake of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake; for they were fishers. read more. And he saith to them, Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they immediately left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the boat and their father, and followed him.
For he taught them as having authority, and not as their scribes.
And when he had entered into Capernaum, there came to him a centurion, beseeching him,
And when Jesus had come into Peters house, he saw his wifes mother lying sick of a fever.
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, "He himself took our infirmities, and bore our diseases." And Jesus, seeing great multitudes about him, gave orders to depart to the other side.
And he saith to them, Why are ye fearful, ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the waves; and there was a great calm.
And when he had come to the other side, into the country of the Gadarenes, there met him two men possessed by demons, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass by that way.
And when they persecute you in one city, flee to another. For truly do I say to you, Ye will not have gone over the cities of Israel till the Son of man hath come.
But Jesus, knowing it, withdrew from thence; and many followed him; and he healed them all, and strictly charged them not to make him known; read more. that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, "Behold my servant, whom I chose; my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased; I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will declare judgment to the nations. He will not strive, nor cry aloud, nor will any one hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and smoking flax he will not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
But the Pharisees, hearing it, said, This man doth not cast out the demons, except through Beelzebul, the prince of the demons.
But the Pharisees, hearing it, said, This man doth not cast out the demons, except through Beelzebul, the prince of the demons.
And Simon Peter answering said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
But he turned and said to Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan! thou art my stumblingblock; for thy thoughts are not on the things of God, but on those of men.
And when the ten heard this, they were much displeased with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him, and said, Ye know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great men exercise a strict authority over them. read more. Not so shall it be among you; but whoever desireth to become great among you, will be your minister; and whoever desireth to be first among you, will be your servant; even as the Son of man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.
even as the Son of man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. And as they were going out of Jericho, a great multitude followed him. read more. And lo! two blind men, who were sitting by the wayside, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, Have pity on us, Son of David! And the multitude sharply bade them be silent. But they cried out the more, saying, Lord, have pity on us, Son of David!
And the multitude sharply bade them be silent. But they cried out the more, saying, Lord, have pity on us, Son of David! And Jesus stopped, and called them, and said, What would ye have me do for you?
"Say to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy king cometh to thee, meek, and riding on an ass, and on a colt the foal of a beast of burden."
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all those who sold and bought in the temple, and overturned the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of those who sold the doves;
saying, What think ye concerning the Christ? whose son is he? They say to him, Davids.
saying, What think ye concerning the Christ? whose son is he? They say to him, Davids. He saith to them, How then doth David in the Spirit call him lord? saying,
He saith to them, How then doth David in the Spirit call him lord? saying, "The Lord said to my lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I put thine enemies under thy feet."
"The Lord said to my lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I put thine enemies under thy feet." If David then calleth him lord, how is he his son?
Therefore, behold, I send to you prophets, and wise men, and scribes; some of them ye will kill and crucify, and some of them ye will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city;
For there will rise up false Christs, and false prophets, and will show great signs and wonders, so that, if possible, even the chosen will be deceived.
Jesus saith to him, I am. Moreover I say to you, Henceforth ye will see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.
and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it up in three days, save thyself, if thou art the Son of God, and come down from the cross.
And immediately the Spirit driveth him forth into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to him. read more. But after John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the glad tidings of God,
But after John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the glad tidings of God, [saying,] The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe the glad tidings.
[saying,] The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe the glad tidings. And as he was passing along by the lake of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon dragging a net in the lake; for they were fishers. read more. And Jesus said to them, Come after me, and I will cause you to become fishers of men. And immediately they left their nets, and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending the nets; and immediately he called them. And leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, they went after him.
and immediately he called them. And leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, they went after him.
saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? Thou hast come to destroy us; we know who thou art, the Holy One of God.
And in the evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all that were sick, and those who were possessed by demons; and the whole city was assembled at the door. read more. And he healed many that were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he suffered not the demons to speak, because they knew him.
And he healed many that were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he suffered not the demons to speak, because they knew him. And rising early, long before day, he went out, and withdrew into a desert place, and there prayed.
And after some days he again entered Capernaum; and it was reported that he was in the house.
But there were some of the scribes sitting there and reasoning in their hearts,
And Jesus immediately perceiving in his spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, saith to them, Why do ye reason thus in your hearts?
And passing along, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customhouse; and he saith to him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. And it happened that he was reclining at table in his house; and many publicans and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many, and scribes of the Pharisees were also following him. read more. And when they saw that he was eating with the publicans and sinners, they said to his disciples, Doth he eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus hearing it, saith to them, They who are well do not need a physician, but they who are sick. I came not to call righteous men, but sinners.
and cried out with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, do not torment me.
And the apostles gather together to Jesus, and told him all which they had done and taught. And he saith to them, Come ye by yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while. For there were many coming and going; and they had no leisure, even to eat. read more. And they went away into a desert place in the boat apart. And many saw them departing, and knew them, and ran together on foot thither from all the cities, and arrived before them. And when he came forth, he saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion for them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. And late in the day his disciples came to him, and said, This is a desert place, and it is now late; send them away, that they may go into the surrounding fields and villages, and buy themselves something to eat. But he answering said to them, Give ye them to eat. And they say to him, Shall we go and buy two hundred denaries worth of bread, and give them to eat?
it seemed good to me also, having accurately traced up all things from the first, to write to thee a connected account, most excellent Theophilus,
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
And the angel answering said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon thee, and the power of the Most High will overshadow thee; wherefore the holy one that is to be born will be called the Son of God.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord came to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were in great fear. read more. And the angel said to them, Fear not; for lo! I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to the whole people; for to you hath been born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, who is the Christ, the Lord. And this shall be the sign to you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swathingclothes, [lying] in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will!" And it came to pass, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said one to another, Let us go at once to Bethlehem, and see that which hath come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad what had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
And the child grew, and waxed strong, being filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.
And he said to them, Why is it that ye have been seeking me? Did ye not know that I must be about my Fathers business?
And he said to them, Why is it that ye have been seeking me? Did ye not know that I must be about my Fathers business?
and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in a bodily shape as a dove; and a voice came from heaven: "Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased."
And Jesus answering said to him, It is written, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee; and there went out a report concerning him through all the surrounding country And he taught in their synagogues, honored by all.
And he taught in their synagogues, honored by all. And he came to Nazara, where he had been brought up, and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbathday; and stood up to read.
And he came to Nazara, where he had been brought up, and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbathday; and stood up to read. And there was delivered to him the book of the prophet Isaiah; and unrolling the book, he found the place where it was written, read more. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he anointed me to preach glad tidings to the poor; he hath sent me to proclaim deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty the oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." And rolling up the book, he gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed upon him. And he began to say to them, Today hath this scripture been fulfilled in your ears.
And in the synagogue there was a man having a spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, Ha! what have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? Thou hast come to destroy us. I know who thou art, the Holy One of God. read more. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be silent, and come out of him. And the demon threw him down in the midst, and came out of him, having done him no hurt. And all were amazed; and they spoke with one another, saying, What kind of word is this, that with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out? And there went out a report concerning him into every place of the surrounding country. And he arose and went from the synagogue into the house of Simon. And Simons wifes mother was seized with a great fever; and they besought him for her. And standing over her, he rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and waited on them. And when the sun was setting, all who had any sick with divers diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. And demons also came out from many, crying out, and saying, Thou art the Son of God. And he rebuked them, and did not suffer them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.
And it came to pass, as the multitude was pressing upon him and hearing the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret,
And it came to pass, as the multitude was pressing upon him and hearing the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them, and had washed the nets. read more. And going into one of the boats, which was Simons, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And sitting down in the boat, he taught the multitudes. And when he had done speaking, he said to Simon, Put out into deep water, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said, Master, we toiled all night, and took nothing; but at thy word I will let down the nets. And having done this, they inclosed great multitude of fishes; and their nets began to break. And they beckoned to their partners in the other boat, to come and help them; and they came, and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
And they beckoned to their partners in the other boat, to come and help them; and they came, and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. And Simon Peter seeing it fell down at the knees of Jesus, saying, Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man. read more. For he and all that were with him were amazed at the draught of fishes, which they had taken; and so were also James and John the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon And Jesus said to Simon, Fear not; henceforth thou shalt catch men.
And it came to pass on a certain day, that he was teaching, and there were sitting by Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every town of Galilee and Judea, and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present that he might heal.
And the Pharisees and their scribes murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with the publicans and sinners?
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he continued all night in prayer to God.
And he said to them, But who do ye say that I am? And Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
And while he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was changed, and his raiment became white and glistening.
And it came to pass, when the time was near for his being received up, that he himself steadily set his face to go to Jerusalem.
Therefore the wisdom of God also said, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute;
Strive to enter in through the narrow door; for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able.
And they brought to him infants also, that he might touch them; and the disciples, on seeing it, rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, Suffer the little children to come to me, and forbid them not; for to such belongeth the kingdom of God. read more. Truly do I say to you, Whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, will not enter therein.
And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly. And his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling to the ground.
And one of them smote the servant of the highpriest, and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answering said, Permit thus far; and touched his ear, and healed him.
And Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, I find nothing criminal in this man.
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them! for they know not what they do. And they divided his garments, casting lots. And the people stood looking on; and the rulers sneered, saying, Others he saved; let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, the chosen one.
But the other answering said, rebuking him, Dost not thou fear God, since thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man hath done nothing amiss. read more. And he said, Jesus, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom. And he said to him, Truly do I say to thee, Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise.
And the centurion, seeing what was done, gave glory to God, saying, Surely this was a righteous man.
Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things, and enter into his glory?
And he said to them, These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which are written in the Law of Moses, and the Prophets, and the Psalms, concerning me. Then he opened their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures. read more. And he said to them, Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and should rise from the dead on the third day,
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. read more. All things were made through him; and without him was nothing made that hath been made. In him is life; and the life was the light of men. And the light hath been shining in the darkness; and the darkness received it not. There was a man, sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness of the light, that through him all might believe. He was not the light, but came to bear witness of the light. The true light, which enlighteneth every man, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world knew him not. He came to his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become children of God,to those who believed in his name; who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; and we beheld his glory, a glory as of an only begotten of a father. John beareth witness of him, and crieth, saying, This was he of whom I said, He that cometh after me hath gone before me; for he was before me. For out of his fullness have we all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one hath ever seen God; the only begotten God, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath made him known.
These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
And I knew him not; but that he might be made manifest to Israel, therefore I came baptizing in water. And John bore witness, saying, I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove from heaven, and it abode upon him.
And John bore witness, saying, I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove from heaven, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not; but he who sent me to baptize in water, the same said to me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and abiding on him, he it is that baptizeth in the Holy Spirit.
And I knew him not; but he who sent me to baptize in water, the same said to me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and abiding on him, he it is that baptizeth in the Holy Spirit.
On the morrow he determined to go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip. And Jesus saith to him, Follow me.
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith to him, We have found him of whom Moses in the Law, and the Prophets wrote, Jesus, the son of Joseph, who is of Nazareth.
Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, thou art the king of Israel.
Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, thou art the king of Israel.
And on the third day there was a marriagefeast in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there.
The Jews therefore answered and said to him, What sign dost thou show us, seeing thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said to them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. read more. Then said the Jews, Fortysix years was this temple in building; and wilt thou raise it up in three days?
After these things Jesus and his disciples came into the land of Judaea; and there he remained with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, because there was much water there; and they came, and were baptized. read more. For John was not yet thrown into prison.
For John was not yet thrown into prison. Then there arose a question on the part of Johns disciples with a Jew about purifying. read more. And they came to John, and said to him, Rabbi, he who was with thee beyond the Jordan, to whom thou hast borne witness, behold, he baptizeth, and all men are going to him.
For he whom God sent speaketh the words of God; for he giveth not the Spirit by measure.
When therefore Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
When therefore Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (though Jesus himself did not baptize, but his disciples,)
(though Jesus himself did not baptize, but his disciples,) he left Judaea, and went again to Galilee.
he left Judaea, and went again to Galilee. And he must necessarily pass through Samaria. read more. He cometh therefore to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the piece of land which Jacob gave to his son Joseph. And Jacobs well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with the journey, was sitting thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus saith to her, Give me to drink. For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman saith to him, How is it that thou, who art a Jew, askest drink of me, who am a Samaritan woman? For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her, If thou hadst known the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink, thou wouldst have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith to him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Whence hast thou the living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said to her, Every one that drinketh of this water, will thirst again; but whoever drinketh of the water that I will give him, will never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become within him a well of water springing up to everlasting life. The woman saith to him, Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come hither to draw. He saith to her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered, I have no husband. Jesus saith to her, Thou saidst well, that thou hast no husband. For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband; in this thou hast spoken truly. The woman saith to him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped on this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith to her, Believe me, woman, the hour is coming, when ye shall neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship that which ye know not; we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for such worshippers the Father seeketh. God is a spirit; and they who worship must worship in spirit and in truth. The woman saith to him, I know that Messiah cometh (who is called Christ); when he hath come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith to her, I who speak to thee am he. And upon this his disciples came, and marveled that he was talking with a woman. Yet no one said, What dost thou seek? or, Why dost thou talk with her? The woman then left her waterpot, and went away into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man who told me all things which I have done. Is this the Christ? They went out of the city, and came to him. In the mean while the disciples asked him, saying, Rabbi, eat. But he said to them, I have food to eat that ye know not of. The disciples therefore said to one another, Hath any one brought him anything to eat? Jesus saith to them, My food is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Do ye not say, There are yet four months, and the harvest cometh? Lo! I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.
Do ye not say, There are yet four months, and the harvest cometh? Lo! I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. Already is the reaper receiving wages, and gathering fruit unto everlasting life; that both the sower and the reaper may rejoice together. read more. And herein is fulfilled the true saying, One soweth, and another reapeth. I have sent you to reap that whereon ye have not labored. Others have labored, and ye have entered into their labor. And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in him because of the words of the woman, who testified, He told me all things which I have done. When therefore the Samaritans came to him, they besought him to remain with them; and he remained there two days. And many more believed on account of his word; and said to the woman, No longer do we believe on account of what thou hast told us; for we have ourselves heard him, and know that this is in truth the Saviour of the world. And after the two days he went from that place into Galilee.
So he came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick, at Capernaum.
Then Jesus said to him, Unless ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
After these things there was the feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
After these things there was the feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
After these things there was the feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
After these things there was the feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem, by the sheepgate, a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethzatha, having five porches.
Now there is at Jerusalem, by the sheepgate, a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethzatha, having five porches. In these were lying a multitude of diseased persons, blind, lame, withered.
In these were lying a multitude of diseased persons, blind, lame, withered. (...)
(...) And a certain man was there, who had had his infirmity thirtyeight years.
And a certain man was there, who had had his infirmity thirtyeight years. Jesus saw this man lying there, and knowing that he had been for a long time diseased, saith to him, Dost thou wish to be made well?
Jesus saw this man lying there, and knowing that he had been for a long time diseased, saith to him, Dost thou wish to be made well? The diseased man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another goeth down before me.
The diseased man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another goeth down before me. Jesus saith to him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
Jesus saith to him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made well, and took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the sabbath.
And immediately the man was made well, and took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the sabbath. The Jews therefore said to him that was cured, It is the sabbath; and it is not lawful for thee to take up the bed.
The Jews therefore said to him that was cured, It is the sabbath; and it is not lawful for thee to take up the bed. He answered them, He that made me well, the same said to me, Take up thy bed, and walk. T read more. hey asked him, Who is the man that said to thee, Take up, and walk? But the diseased man knew not who it was; for Jesus had withdrawn himself, there being a crowd in the place. Afterwards Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, Behold, thou art made well; sin no more, lest something worse befall thee. The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. And on this account the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did these things on the sabbath. But he answered them, My Father is working up to this time, and I work. On this account the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath, but also said that God was his own Father, making himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said to them, Truly, truly do I say to you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing; for whatever He doeth, these things the Son also doeth in like manner;
But the testimony which I have, is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father hath given me to perform, the works themselves which I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
How can ye believe while ye receive honor from one another, and seek not the honor that is from him who alone is God?
After these things Jesus went away across the lake of Galilee, that of Tiberias.
and we have believed and known, that thou art the Holy One of God.
After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for he would not walk in Judaea, because the Jews sought to kill him.
After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for he would not walk in Judaea, because the Jews sought to kill him.
His brothers therefore said to him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see thy works which thou art doing. For no one doeth anything in secret, and yet himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou doest these things, manifest thyself to the world.
He that speaketh from himself seeketh his own glory; but he that seeketh the glory of him that sent him, he is true, and in him is no unrighteousness.
But of the multitude many believed in him, and said, When the Christ cometh, will he do more signs than these which this man doeth?
On the last day, which is the great day, of the feast, Jesus stood and cried aloud, saying, If any one thirst, let him come to me, and drink.
But when they continued asking him, he lifted himself up, and said to them, Let him that is without sin among you first cast a stone at her.
And she said, No one, Lord. And Jesus said, neither do I condemn thee; go, and sin no more. Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.]
Ye judge according to the flesh; I judge no one.
And he that sent me is with me; he hath not left me alone, for I always do the things that please him.
And the feast of the dedication came at Jerusalem. It was winter; and Jesus was walking in the temple, in Solomons porch.
Jesus answered them, I have told you, and ye do not believe. The works that I do in my Fathers name, these bear witness of me.
I and the Father are one. The Jews again took up stones to stone him. read more. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shown you from the Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, Not for a good work do we stone thee, but for blasphemy, and because thou, who art a man, makest thyself God.
But if I do them, though ye believe not me, believe the works; that ye may learn and know that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.
Father, glorify thy name! Then came there a voice from heaven: Yea, I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.
Now before the feast of the passover, Jesus, knowing that his hour had come that he should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, loved them unto the end.
Philip saith to him, Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied. Jesus saith to him, Have I been so long time with you, and dost thou not know me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; how is it that thou sayest, Show us the Father? read more. Dost thou not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak to you, I speak not from myself; but the Father, who dwelleth in me, doeth his works. Believe me, that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; but if not, believe for the very works sake.
I shall not talk much more with you. For the prince of the world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit he cleanseth, that it may bear more fruit. read more. Ye are clean already, by reason of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, if it abide not in the vine, so neither can ye, unless ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit; for apart from me ye can do nothing. If any one abideth not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather it, and cast it into the fire, and it is burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever ye will, and it shall be done for you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and ye will become my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye will abide in my love, even as I have kept my Fathers commandments, and abide in his love.
Behold, the hour is coming, yea, is now come, when ye will be scattered, every one to his own, and will leave me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
and carried him to Annas first; for he was fatherinlaw of Caiaphas, who was highpriest that year.
And Simon Peter and the other disciple followed Jesus. That disciple was an acquaintance of the highpriest, and went with Jesus into the court of the palace of the highpriest.
Pilate therefore said to them, Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said to him, It is not lawful for us to put any one to death.
Pilate therefore said to him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest what is true; for I am a king. For this end have I been born, and for this cause have I come into the world, that I may bear witness to the truth. Every one that is of the truth listeneth to my voice.
and said, Hail, king of the Jews! and they gave him blows on the face.
From this time Pilate sought to release him. But the Jews cried out, saying, If thou release this man, thou art not a friend of Caesar. Every one that maketh himself a king, setteth himself against Caesar.
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.
Moses indeed said, "A prophet will the Lord your God raise up to you from among your brethren, as be raised up me; him shall ye hear in all things, whatever he shall speak to you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul which doth not hear that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people." read more. And all the prophets also, Samuel and those who followed, as many as spoke, announced these days. Ye are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, "And in thy posterity shall all the families of the earth be blessed."
and said, Lo, I behold the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
And Philip went down to a city of Samaria, and preached to them the Christ.
But Saul gained still more strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
relating to Jesus of Nazareth, that God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were overpowered by the Devil; for God was with him.
relating to Jesus of Nazareth, that God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were overpowered by the Devil; for God was with him.
explaining them, and setting forth that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead, and that "this is the Christ,Jesus whom I am making known to you."
We then by this baptism into his death were buried with him; that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. For if we have been made completely like him in his death, we shall be made like him in his resurrection also; read more. knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin; for he that hath died hath been set free from sin. And if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him; since we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dieth no more; death hath dominion over him no longer. For in that he died, he died to sin once for all; but in that he liveth, he liveth to God. Thus do ye too consider yourselves as dead to sin, but alive to God, through Jesus Christ.
For consider, brethren, who ye are that have been called; not many wise men after the fashion of the world, not many mighty, not many noble; but the foolish things of the world did God choose, to put to shame the wise; and the weak things of the world did God choose, to put to shame the things which are strong; read more. and the mean things of the world, and the things which are despised, did God choose, the things which are not, to bring to nought things that are; that no flesh might glory before God. But from him it is that ye are in Christ Jesus, who from God was made to us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption; that, according as it is written, "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
then also they that have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
Thus is it also written: "The first man Adam became a living soul;" the last Adam a lifegiving spirit.
The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven.
Yea, let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not regard it as a thing to be grasped at to be on an equality with God, read more. but made himself of no consideration, taking the form of a servant, and becoming like men; and in what appertained to him appearing as a man, he humbled himself, and was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also highly exalted him, and gave him a name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God, the Father.
[he,] whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power, and signs, and wonders of falsehood,
For we have not a highpriest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who hath in all points been tempted as we are, without sin.
Thus Christ did not glorify himself to be made highpriest, but he who said to him, "Thou art my Son, I this day have begotten thee;"
Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, to him that was able to save him from death, and was heard by reason of his godly reverence,
wherefore he is able also to save to the utmost those who come to God through him, since he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such a highpriest also became us, holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Wherefore, when he cometh into the world, he saith: "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body didst thou prepare for me;
Wherefore, when he cometh into the world, he saith: "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body didst thou prepare for me;
Then said I, Lo, I have comein the volume of the book it is written of meto do thy will, O God."
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever those who are sanctified.
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous one for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
Christ then having suffered in the flesh, do ye also arm yourselves with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that ye may no longer live the remaining time in the flesh after the lusts of men, but after the will of God.
because all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
And the seventh angel sounded, and there followed loud voices in heaven, saying, The kingdom of the world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.
And the seventh angel sounded, and there followed loud voices in heaven, saying, The kingdom of the world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.
And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ; for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night;
And I fell at his feet to worship him; and he saith to me, See thou do it not; I am a fellowservant of thee, and of thy brethren who maintain the testimony to Jesus; worship God. For the testimony to Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Hastings
There is no historical task which is more important than to set forth the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, and none to which it is so difficult to do justice. The importance of the theme is sufficiently attested by the fact that it is felt to be His due to reckon a new era from the date of His birth. From the point of view of Christian faith there is nothing in time worthy to be set beside the deeds and the words of One who is adored as God manifest in the flesh, and the Saviour of the world. In the perspective of universal history. His influence ranks with Greek culture and Roman law as one of the three most valuable elements in the heritage from the ancient world, while it surpasses these other factors in the spiritual quality of its effects. On the other hand, the superlative task has its peculiar difficulties. It is quite certain that a modern European makes many mistakes when trying to reproduce the conditions of the distant province of Oriental antiquity in which Jesus lived. The literary documents, moreover, are of no great compass, and are reticent or obscure in regard to many matters which are of capital interest to the modern biographer. And when erudition has done its best with the primary and auxiliary sources, the historian has still to put the heart-searching question whether he possesses the qualifications that would enable him to understand the character, the experience, and the purpose of Jesus. 'He who would worthily write the Life of Jesus Christ must have a pen dipped in the imaginative sympathy of a poet, in the prophet's fire, in the artist's charm and grace, and in the reverence and purity of the saint' (Stewart, The Life of Christ, 1906, p. vi.).
1. The Literary Sources
(A) Canonical
(1) The Gospels and their purpose.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
and Salmon begat Boaz by Rahab. And Boaz begat Obed by Ruth. And Obed begat Jesse; and Jesse begat David the king. And David begat Solomon by the wife of Uriah.
and Jesse begat David the king. And David begat Solomon by the wife of Uriah. And Solomon begat Rehoboam; and Rehoboam begat Abijah; and Abijah begat Asa; read more. and Asa begat Jehoshaphat; and Jehoshaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Uzziah; and Uzziah begat Jotham; and Jotham begat Ahaz; and Ahaz begat Hezekiah; and Hezekiah begat Manasseh; and Manasseh begat Amon; and Amon begat Josiah; and Josiah begat Jeconiah and his brothers, at the time of the removal to Babylon. And after the removal to Babylon, Jeconiah begat Shealtiel; and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel; and Zerubbabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; and Azor begat Zadok; and Zadok begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the removal to Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the removal to Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was in this manner. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was in this manner. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being righteous, and not willing to expose her to shame, purposed to put her away privately.
Then Joseph her husband, being righteous, and not willing to expose her to shame, purposed to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, lo! an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, fear not to take to thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit.
But while he thought on these things, lo! an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, fear not to take to thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he will save his people from their sins.
And she will bear a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he will save his people from their sins. Now all this took place, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,
Now all this took place, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel;" that is, when interpreted, Godis withus.
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel;" that is, when interpreted, Godis withus. Then Joseph, on waking up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took to him his wife;
Now when Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judaea, in the days of Herod the king, lo! there came magians from the East to Jerusalem, saying, Where is the king of the Jews that hath been born? for we saw his star in the East, and came to do him homage. read more. But when Herod the king heard of these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. And they said to him, In Bethlehem of Judaea; for thus it is written by the prophet: "And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, art by no means least among the princes of Judah; for out of thee shall come a ruler, who shall feed my people Israel." Then Herod, having privately called the magians ascertained from them exactly the time when the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search carefully for the child; and when ye have found him, bring me word, that I also may go and do him homage. When they had heard the king, they departed. And lo! the star, which they had seen in the East, went before them, till it came and stood over where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy; and when they had come into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and did homage to him; and opening their treasures, they presented him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country another way. And when they had gone, lo! an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and remain there until I speak to thee; for Herod will seek the child, to destroy him. And he arose, and took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt; and was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "I called my son out of Egypt." Then Herod, when he saw that he had been deceived by the magians, was greatly enraged; and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all its borders, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the magians. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping, and great mourning; Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted, because they were no more."
While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, lo! his mother and his brothers were standing without, seeking to speak with him. And one said to him, Behold, thy mother and thy brothers are standing without, seeking to speak with thee. read more. But he answered and said to him that told him, Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? And stretching forth his hand toward his disciples, be said, Behold, my mother and my brothers! For whoever doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, All power was given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, and make all nations my disciples, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; read more. teaching them to observe all things, whatever I have commanded you. And, lo! I am with you always, unto the end of the world.
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ;
And his relations hearing of it went out to lay hold of him; for they said, He is beside himself.
And his mother and his brothers came; and, standing without, sent to him, to call him.
And he asked them, But who do ye say that I am? Peter answering saith to him, Thou art the Christ.
But he was silent, and answered nothing. Again the highpriest asked him, and saith to him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am; and ye will see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.
And on the cross the inscription of the charge against him was written: "The king of the Jews."
And in her sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgins name was Mary. read more. And the angel came in to her and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored! the Lord is with thee. And she was troubled at the words, and was considering what this salutation could mean. And the angel said to her, Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found favor with God. And lo! thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and hear a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary to the angel, How shall this be, since I know not a man? And the angel answering said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon thee, and the power of the Most High will overshadow thee; wherefore the holy one that is to be born will be called the Son of God. And lo! Elizabeth, thy kinswoman, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who is called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God. And Mary said, Lo, the handmaid of the Lord! May it be to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. And Mary arose and went in those days into the hillcountry with haste, into a city of Judah. And she entered the house of Zachariah, and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and cried out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb! And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For lo! as soon as the voice of thy salutation came to my ears, the babe leaped in my womb in exultation. And blessed is she who hath believed that there will be an accomplishment of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul magnifieth the Lord, and my spirit hath exulted in God my Saviour; for he hath looked upon the low estate of his handmaiden. For lo! from this time all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One hath done great things for me; and holy is his name; and his mercy is from generation to generation on them that fear him. He hath wrought mightily with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the device of their heart. He hath cast down princes from thrones, and exalted men of low degree. The hungry he hath filled with good things, and the rich he hath sent away empty. He hath given help to Israel his servant, in remembrance of his mercy toward Abraham and his offspring for ever, as he spoke to our fathers. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house. Now Elizabeths full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had showed great mercy toward her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they were about to call him Zachariah, after the name of his father. And his mother answering said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said to her, There is no one of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him named. And he asked for a writingtablet, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they all marveled. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue was loosed; and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came on all that dwelt around them; and all these things were talked of throughout the whole of the hillcountry of Judaea. And all that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What then will this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him. And Zachariah his father was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel! for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David his servant, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets of old, salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us, to accomplish his mercy toward our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, the oath which he swore to Abraham our father, to grant to us, that being delivered from the hand of our enemies, we might worship him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all our days. And thou, child, shalt be called a prophet of the Most High; for thou shalt go in advance before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the remission of their sins through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to those sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit; and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.
And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be registered. (This registering was the first made while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord came to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were in great fear. read more. And the angel said to them, Fear not; for lo! I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to the whole people; for to you hath been born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, who is the Christ, the Lord. And this shall be the sign to you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swathingclothes, [lying] in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will!" And it came to pass, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said one to another, Let us go at once to Bethlehem, and see that which hath come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad what had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all which they had heard and seen, as had been told them. And when eight days were completed for him to be circumcised, his name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord: "Every firstborn male shall be called holy to the Lord,"
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
And Jesus himself was, when he began, about thirty years of age, being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph, who was the son of Heli,
who was the son of Melea, who was the son of Menna, who was the son of Mattatha, who was the son of Nathan, who was the son of David,
And he came to Nazara, where he had been brought up, and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbathday; and stood up to read. And there was delivered to him the book of the prophet Isaiah; and unrolling the book, he found the place where it was written, read more. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he anointed me to preach glad tidings to the poor; he hath sent me to proclaim deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty the oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." And rolling up the book, he gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed upon him. And he began to say to them, Today hath this scripture been fulfilled in your ears. And they all spoke in his praise, and wondered at the words of grace which proceeded from his mouth; and they said, Is not this Josephs son? And he said to them, Ye will doubtless say to me this proverb, "Physician, heal thyself;" whatever things we have heard of as having been done in Capernaum, do here too in thy own country. And he said, Truly do I say to you, No prophet is acceptable in his own country. But I tell you in truth, that there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; and yet to none of them was Elijah sent, but to Sarepta in Sidonia, to a woman that was a widow. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian. And all in the synagogue, when they heard this, were filled with wrath. And they rose up, and forced him out of the city and took him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, to cast him down headlong; but he, passing through the midst of them, went away.
And it came to pass, when the time was near for his being received up, that he himself steadily set his face to go to Jerusalem.
After these things, the Lord appointed also seventy others, and sent them two and two before him into every city and place where he himself was about to come. And he said to them, The harvest is great, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers for his harvest. read more. Go forth; lo! I send you as lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; salute no one by the way. And into whatever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if a son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it; if not, it shall return to you. And abide in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give; for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. And into whatever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat what is set before you, and heal the sick that are therein, and say to them, The kingdom of God hath come near to you. But into whatever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go out into its streets and say, Even the dust of your city that cleaveth to our feet we wipe off to you; but know this, that the kingdom of God hath come near. And I tell you, that it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. Woe to thee, Chorazin! woe to thee, Bethsaida! for if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum! shalt thou be exalted to heaven? thou shalt be brought down to the underworld. He that hearkeneth to you, hearkeneth to me; and he that rejecteth you, rejecteth me; but he that rejecteth me, rejecteth him that sent me. And the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in thy name. And he said to them, I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Lo! I have given you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the might of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Yet rejoice not in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names have been written in heaven.
Were there none found returning to give glory to God but this foreigner? And he said to him, Rise and go; thy faith hath made thee well.
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself will be humbled; but he that humbleth himself will be exalted.
And when he came near, as he beheld the city, he wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, and that in this thy day, the things that concern thy peace! but now they are hidden from thine eyes. read more. For the days will come upon thee, when thine enemies will cast up a mound about thee, and compass thee round, and shut thee in on every side, and will level thee with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they will not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; and we beheld his glory, a glory as of an only begotten of a father.
Then said the Jews, Fortysix years was this temple in building; and wilt thou raise it up in three days?
And he that hath seen hath borne witness, and his witness is true; and he knoweth that he saith what is true, that ye also may believe.
This is the disciple who testifieth of these things, and hath written these things; and we know that his testimony is true.
the gospel concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David as to the flesh,
and if she have separated herself let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband; and let not the husband put away his wife.
For I received of the Lord, what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took a loaf,
For we have not a highpriest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who hath in all points been tempted as we are, without sin.
Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, to him that was able to save him from death, and was heard by reason of his godly reverence,
For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when such a voice as this was borne to him from the excellent glory: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
Smith
Je'sus Christ.
The life and character of Jesus Christ, says Dr. Schaff, "is the holy of holies in the history of the world."
1. NAME. --The name Jesus signifies saviour. It is the Greek form of JEHOSHUA (Joshua). The name Christ signifies anointed. Jesus was both priest and king. Among the Jews priests were anointed, as their inauguration to their office.
See Jehoshua
In the New Testament the name Christ is used as equivalent to the Hebrew Messiah (anointed),
Joh 1:41
the name given to the long-promised Prophet and King whom the Jews had been taught by their prophets to expect.
The use of this name, as applied to the Lord, has always a reference to the promises of the prophets. The name of Jesus is the proper name of our Lord, and that of Christ is added to identify him with the promised Messiah. Other names are sometimes added to the names Jesus Christ, thus, "Lord," "a king," "King of Israel," "Emmanuel," "Son of David," "chosen of God." II. BIRTH. --Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, God being his father, at Bethlehem of Judea, six miles south of Jerusalem. The date of his birth was most probably in December, B.C. 5, four years before the era from which we count our years. That era was not used till several hundred years after Christ. The calculations were made by a learned monk, Dionysius Exiguus, in the sixth century, who made an error of four years; so that to get the exact date from the birth of Christ we must add four years to our usual dates; i.e. A.D. 1882 is really 1886 years since the birth of Christ. It is also more than likely that our usual date for Christmas, December 25, is not far from the real date of Christ's birth. Since the 25th of December comes when the longest night gives way to the returning sun on his triumphant march, it makes an appropriate anniversary to make the birth of him who appeared in the darkest night of error and sin as the true Light of the world. At the time of Christ's birth Augustus Caesar was emperor of Rome, and Herod the Great king of Judea, but subject of Rome. God's providence had prepared the world for the coming of Christ, and this was the fittest time in all its history.
1. All the world was subject to one government, so that the apostles could travel everywhere: the door of every land was open for the gospel.
2. The world was at peace, so that the gospel could have free course.
3. The Greek language was spoken everywhere with their other languages.
4. The Jews were scattered everywhere with synagogues and Bibles. III. EARLY LIFE. --Jesus, having a manger at Bethlehem for his cradle, received a visit of adoration from the three wise men of the East. At forty days old he was taken to the temple at Jerusalem; and returning to Bethlehem, was soon taken to Egypt to escape Herod's massacre of the infants there. After a few months stay there, Herod having died in April, B.C. 4, the family returned to their Nazareth home, where Jesus lived till he was about thirty years old, subject to his parent, and increasing "in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." The only incident recorded of his early life is his going up to Jerusalem to attend the passover when he was twelve years old, and his conversation with the learned men in the temple. But we can understand the childhood and youth of Jesus better when we remember the surrounding influences amid which he grew.
1. The natural scenery was rugged and mountainous, but full of beauty. He breathed the pure air. He lived in a village, not in a city.
2. The Roman dominion was irksome and galling. The people of God were subject to a foreign yoke. The taxes were heavy. Roman soldiers, laws, money, every reminded them of their subjection, when they ought to be free and themselves the rulers of the world. When Jesus was ten years old, there was a great insurrection,
in Galilee. He who was to be King of the Jews heard and felt all this.
3. The Jewish hopes of a Redeemer, of throwing off their bondage, of becoming the glorious nation promised in the prophet, were in the very air he breathed. The conversation at home and in the streets was full of them.
4. Within his view, and his boyish excursions, were many remarkable historic places, --rivers, hills, cities, plains, --that would keep in mind the history of his people and God's dealings with them.
5. His school training. Mr. Deutsch, in the Quarterly Review, says, "Eighty years before Christ, schools flourished throughout the length and the breadth of the land: education had been made compulsory. While there is not a single term for 'school' to be found before the captivity, there were by that time about a dozen in common usage. Here are a few of the innumerable popular sayings of the period: 'Jerusalem was destroyed because the instruction of the young was neglected.' 'The world is only saved by the breath of the school-children.' 'Even for the rebuilding of the temple the schools must not be interrupted.'"
6. His home training. According to Ellicott, the stages of Jewish childhood were marked as follows: "At three the boy was weaned, and word for the first time the fringed or tasselled garment prescribed by
and Deut 22:12 His education began at first under the mother's care. At five he was to learn the law, at first by extracts written on scrolls of the more important passages, the Shema or creed of
De 2:4
the Hallel or festival psalms, Psal 114, 118, 136, and by catechetical teaching in school. At twelve he became more directly responsible for his obedience of the law; and on the day when he attained the age of thirteen, put on for the first time the phylacteries which were worn at the recital of his daily prayer." In addition to this, Jesus no doubt learned the carpenter's trade of his reputed father Joseph, and, as Joseph probably died before Jesus began his public ministry, he may have contributed to the support of his mother. (IV. PUBLIC MINISTRY. --All the leading events recorded of Jesus' life are given at the end of this volume in the Chronological Chart and in the Chronological Table of the life of Christ; so that here will be given only a general survey. Jesus began to enter upon his ministry when he was "about thirty years old;" that is, he was not very far from thirty, older or younger. He is regarded as nearly thirty-one by Andrews (in the tables of chronology referred to above) and by most others. Having been baptized by John early in the winter of 26-27, he spent the larger portion of his year in Judea and about the lower Jordan, till in December he went northward to Galilee through Samaria. The next year and a half, from December, A.D. 27, to October or November, A.D. 29, was spent in Galilee and norther Palestine, chiefly in the vicinity of the Sea of Galilee. In November, 29, Jesus made his final departure from Galilee, and the rest of his ministry was in Judea and Perea, beyond Jordan, till his crucifixion, April 7, A.D. 30. After three days he proved his divinity by rising from the dead; and after appearing on eleven different occasions to his disciples during forty days, he finally ascended to heaven, where he is the living, ever present, all-powerful Saviour of his people. Jesus Christ, being both human and divine, is fitted to be the true Saviour of men. In this, as in every action and character, he is shown to be "the wisdom and power of God unto salvation." As human, he reaches down to our natures, sympathizes with us, shows us that God knows all our feelings and weaknesses and sorrows and sins, brings God near to us, who otherwise could not realize the Infinite and Eternal as a father and friend. He is divine, in order that he may be an all-powerful, all-loving Saviour, able and willing to defend us from every enemy, to subdue all temptations, to deliver from all sin, and to bring each of his people, and the whole Church, into complete and final victory. Jesus Christ is the centre of the world's history, as he is the centre of the Bible. --ED.)
See Verses Found in Dictionary
He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith to him, We have found the Messiah; (which is, when interpreted, the Christ.)
After this man arose Judas the Galilaean, in the days of the registering, and drew people away after him; he also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
Then said Paul, John indeed baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, that they should believe on him that was coming after him; that is, on Jesus.
Watsons
JESUS CHRIST, the son of God, the Messiah, and Saviour of the world, the first and principal object of the prophecies, prefigured and promised in the Old Testament, expected and desired by the patriarchs; the hope of the Gentiles; the glory, salvation, and consolation of Christians. The name Jesus, or, as the Hebrews pronounce it, ??????, Jehoshua or Joshua, '??????, signifies, he who shall save. No one ever bore this name with so much justice, nor so perfectly fulfilled the signification of it, as Jesus Christ, who saves even from sin and hell, and hath merited heaven for us by the price of his blood. It is not necessary here to narrate the history of our Saviour's life, which can no where be read with advantage except in the writings of the four evangelists; but there are several general views which require to be noticed under this article.
1. Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ or Messiah promised under the Old Testament. That he professed himself to be that Messiah to whom all the prophets gave witness, and who was, in fact, at the time of his appearing, expected by the Jews; and that he was received under that character by his disciples, and by all Christians ever since, is certain. And if the Old Testament Scriptures afford sufficiently definite marks by which the long announced Christ should be infallibly known at his advent, and these presignations are found realized in our Lord, then is the truth of his pretensions established. From the books of the Old Testament we learn that the Messiah was to authenticate his claim by miracles; and in those predictions respecting him, so many circumstances are recorded, that they could meet only in one person; and so, if they are accomplished in him, they leave no room for doubt, as far as the evidence of prophecy is deemed conclusive. As to MIRACLES, we refer to that article; here only observing, that if the miraculous works wrought by Christ were really done, they prove his mission, because, from their nature, and having been wrought to confirm his claim to be the Messiah, they necessarily imply a divine attestation. With respect to PROPHECY, the principles under which its evidence must be regarded as conclusive will be given under that head; and here therefore it will only be necessary to show the completion of the prophecies of the sacred books of the Jews relative to the Messiah in one person, and that person the founder of the Christian religion.
The time of the Messiah's appearance in the world, as predicted in the Old Testament, is defined, says Keith, by a number of concurring circumstances, which fix it to the very date of the advent of Christ. The last blessing of Jacob to his sons, when he commanded them to gather themselves together that he might tell them what should befall them in the last days, contains this prediction concerning Judah: "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be," Ge 49:10, The date fixed by this prophecy for the coming of Shiloh, or the Saviour, was not to exceed the time during which the descendants of Judah were to continue a united people, while a king should reign among them, while they should be governed by their own laws, and while their judges should be from among their brethren. The prophecy of Malachi adds another standard for measuring the time: "Behold, I send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me; and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall come suddenly to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts," Mal 3:1. No words can be more expressive of the coming of the promised Messiah; and they as clearly imply his appearance in the second temple before it should be destroyed. In regard to the advent of the Messiah before the destruction of the second temple, the words of Haggai are remarkably explicit: "The desire of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of Hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than that of the former, and in this place will I give peace," Hag 2:7. The Saviour was thus to appear, according to the prophecies of the Old Testament, during the time of the continuance of the kingdom of Judah, previous to the demolition of the temple, and immediately subsequent to the next prophet. But the time is rendered yet more definite. In the prophecies of Daniel, the kingdom of the Messiah is not only foretold as commencing in the time of the fourth monarchy, or Roman empire, but the express number of years that were to precede his coming are plainly intimated: "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people, and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sin, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy. Know, therefore, and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem, unto Messiah the Prince, shall be seven weeks and threescore and two weeks," Da 9:24-25. Computation by weeks of years was common among the Jews, and every seventh was the sabbatical year; seventy weeks, thus amounted to four hundred and ninety years. In these words the prophet marks the very time, and uses the very name of Messiah, the Prince; so entirety is all ambiguity done away. The plainest inference may be drawn from these prophecies. All of them, while, in every respect, they presuppose the most perfect knowledge of futurity; while they were unquestionably delivered and publicly known for ages previous to the time to which they referred; and while they refer to different contingent and unconnected events, utterly undeterminable and inconceivable by all human sagacity; accord in perfect unison to a single precise period where all their different lines terminate at once,
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the people that sat in darkness, saw a great light; and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light arose."