The World English Bible (WEB) Part 97

1:38 Mary said, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word."

The angel departed from her. 1:39 Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah, 1:40 and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 1:41 It happened, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, that the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 1:42 She called out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 1:43 Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 1:44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! 1:45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!"

1:46 Mary said,

"My soul magnifies the Lord. 1:47 My spirit has rejoiced in G.o.d my Savior, 1:48 for he has looked at the humble state of his handmaid. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed. 1:49 For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name. 1:50 His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him. 1:51 He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart. 1:52 He has put down princes from their thrones. And has exalted the lowly. 1:53 He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty. 1:54 He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy, 1:55 As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his seed forever." 1:56 Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house. 1:57 Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she brought forth a son. 1:58 Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her, and they rejoiced with her. 1:59 It happened on the eighth day, that they came to circ.u.mcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of the father. 1:60 His mother answered, "Not so; but he will be called John."

1:61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name." 1:62 They made signs to his father, what he would have him called.

1:63 He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John."

They all marveled. 1:64 His mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing G.o.d. 1:65 Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea. 1:66 All who heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, "What then will this child be?" The hand of the Lord was with him. 1:67 His father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,

1:68 "Blessed be the Lord, the G.o.d of Israel, for he has visited and worked redemption for his people; 1:69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 1:70 (as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets who have been from of old), 1:71 salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; 1:72 to show mercy towards our fathers, to remember his holy covenant, 1:73 the oath which he spoke to Abraham, our father, 1:74 to grant to us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, should serve him without fear, 1:75 In holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. 1:76 And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the face of the Lord to make ready his ways, 1:77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins, 1:78 because of the tender mercy of our G.o.d, whereby the dawn from on high will visit us, 1:79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace." 1:80 The child was growing, and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

2:1 Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2:2 This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 2:3 All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. 2:4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; 2:5 to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant.

2:6 It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she should give birth. 2:7 She brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn. 2:8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. 2:9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 2:10 The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 2:11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 2:12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough." 2:13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a mult.i.tude of the heavenly army praising G.o.d, and saying,

2:14 "Glory to G.o.d in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men." 2:15 It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds said one to another, "Let's go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 2:16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. 2:17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child.

2:18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. 2:19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising G.o.d for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.

2:21 When eight days were fulfilled for the circ.u.mcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

2:22 When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord 2:23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"),* 2:24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."*

2:25 Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 2:26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 2:27 He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law, 2:28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed G.o.d, and said,

2:29 "Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace; 2:30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 2:31 which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; 2:32 a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel." 2:33 Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, 2:34 and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. 2:35 Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

2:36 There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, 2:37 and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn't depart from the temple, worshipping with fastings and pet.i.tions night and day. 2:38 Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.

2:39 When they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 2:40 The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of G.o.d was upon him. 2:41 His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Pa.s.sover.

2:42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast, 2:43 and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn't know it, 2:44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 2:45 When they didn't find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him. 2:46 It happened after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. 2:47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 2:48 When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you."

2:49 He said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?" 2:50 They didn't understand the saying which he spoke to them. 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with G.o.d and men.

3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 3:2 in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of G.o.d came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. 3:3 He came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for remission of sins. 3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make ready the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight. 3:5 Every valley will be filled. Every mountain and hill will be brought low. The crooked will become straight, and the rough ways smooth. 3:6 All flesh will see G.o.d's salvation.'"*

3:7 He said therefore to the mult.i.tudes who went out to be baptized by him, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and don't begin to say among yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father;' for I tell you that G.o.d is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones! 3:9 Even now the axe also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doesn't bring forth good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire."

3:10 The mult.i.tudes asked him, "What then must we do?"

3:11 He answered them, "He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise."

3:12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what must we do?"

3:13 He said to them, "Collect no more than that which is appointed to you."

3:14 Soldiers also asked him, saying, "What about us? What must we do?"

He said to them, "Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages."

3:15 As the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he was the Christ, 3:16 John answered them all, "I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the latchet of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen.

He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire, 3:17 whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into his barn; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

3:18 Then with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people, 3:19 but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done, 3:20 added this also to them all, that he shut up John in prison. 3:21 Now it happened, when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized, and was praying. The sky was opened, 3:22 and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form as a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying "You are my beloved Son. In you I am well pleased."

3:23 Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years old, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, 3:24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 3:25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 3:26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, 3:27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 3:28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er, 3:29 the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 3:30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim, 3:31 the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 3:32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, 3:33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Aram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 3:34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 3:35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 3:36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 3:37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, 3:38 the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of G.o.d.

4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness 4:2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. He ate nothing in those days. Afterward, when they were completed, he was hungry. 4:3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of G.o.d, command this stone to become bread."

4:4 Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of G.o.d.'"*

4:5 The devil, leading him up on a high mountain, showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 4:6 The devil said to him, "I will give you all this authority, and their glory, for it has been delivered to me; and I give it to whomever I want. 4:7 If you therefore will worship before me, it will all be yours."

4:8 Jesus answered him, "Get behind me Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your G.o.d, and you shall serve him only.'"*

4:9 He led him to Jerusalem, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of G.o.d, cast yourself down from here, 4:10 for it is written,

'He will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you;' 4:11 and,

'On their hands they will bear you up, lest perhaps you dash your foot against a stone.'"* 4:12 Jesus answering, said to him, "It has been said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your G.o.d.'"*

4:13 When the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from him until another time.

4:14 Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and news about him spread through all the surrounding area. 4:15 He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

4:16 He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 4:17 The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,

4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, 4:19 and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."* 4:20 He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. 4:21 He began to tell them, "Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

4:22 All testified about him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth, and they said, "Isn't this Joseph's son?"

4:23 He said to them, "Doubtless you will tell me this parable, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in your hometown.'" 4:24 He said, "Most certainly I tell you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 4:25 But truly I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land. 4:26 Elijah was sent to none of them, except to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 4:27 There were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed, except Naaman, the Syrian."

4:28 They were all filled with wrath in the synagogue, as they heard these things. 4:29 They rose up, threw him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill that their city was built on, that they might throw him off the cliff. 4:30 But he, pa.s.sing through the midst of them, went his way.

4:31 He came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. He was teaching them on the Sabbath day, 4:32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. 4:33 In the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 4:34 saying, "Ah! what have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of G.o.d!"

4:35 Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" When the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.

4:36 Amazement came on all, and they spoke together, one with another, saying, "What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!" 4:37 News about him went out into every place of the surrounding region.

4:38 He rose up from the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house.

Simon's mother-in-law was afflicted with a great fever, and they begged him for her. 4:39 He stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her. Immediately she rose up and served them. 4:40 When the sun was setting, all those who had any sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

4:41 Demons also came out from many, crying out, and saying, "You are the Christ, the Son of G.o.d!" Rebuking them, he didn't allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.