His Twelve also now preaching every where and working miracles. 6. Herod and all do wonder much. 10. after which, he taketh them and goeth into the wilderness where he cureth and teacheth, feeding 5000. with five loaves. 18. Peter confessing him to be Christ, 21. he in the other side foretelleth his Passion, and that all must after a time of persecution follow him therein. 27. whereunto to encourage us the more, 27. he giveth in his Transfiguration a sight of the glory, which is the reward of suffering. 37. The next day he casteth out a Devil which his Disciples could not. 43. whom amid their wonders he forewarneth again of his scandalous Passion, 49. And to cure their ambition, he telleth them, that the most humble he esteemeth most: 49. bidding them also not to prohibit any that is not against them. 51. Yea and toward such as be against them Schismatically, to shew mildness for all that. 57. Of following him, three examples.His Twelue also now preaching euery where and working miracles. 6. Herod and al doe wonder much. 10. after which, he taketh them and goeth into the wildernesse where he caueth and teacheth, feeding 5000. with foure loaues. 18. Peter confessing him to be Christ, 21. he in the other side foretelleth his Passion, and that al must after a time of persecution follow him therein. 27. wherevnto to encourage vs the more, 27. he giueth in his Transfiguration a sight of the glorie, which is the reward of suffering. 37. The next day he casteth out a Diuel which his Disciples could not. 43. whom amidde their wonders he forewarneth againe of his scandalous Passion, 49. And to cure their ambition, he telleth them, that the most humble he esteemeth most: 49. bidding them also not to prohibit any that is not against them. 51. Yea and toward such as be against them Schismatically, to shew mildnes for al that. 57. Of following him, three examples.✦

And calling together the twelve Apostles, he gave them and power over all Devils, and to cure maladies.And calling together the twelve Apostles, he gave them and power over all Devils, and to cure maladies.AND calling together the tvvelue Apostles, he gaue them vertue and povver ouer al deuils, and to cure maladies.Convocatis autem duodecim Apostolis, dedit illis virtutem et potestatem super omnia dæmonia, et ut languores curarent.

2And he sent them to preach the Kingdom of God: and to heal the sick.And he sent them to preach the Kingdom of God: and to heal the sick.And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God: and to heale the sicke.Et misit illos prædicare regnum Dei, et sanare infirmos.

3And he said to them, Take nothing for the way, neither rod, nor , nor bread, nor money, neither have two coats.And he said to them, Take nothing for the way, neither rod, nor , nor bread, nor money, neither have two coats.And he said to them, Take nothing for the vvay, neither rod, nor skippe, nor bread, nor money, neither haue tvvo coates.Et ait ad illos : Nihil tuleritis in via, neque virgam, neque peram, neque panem, neque pecuniam, neque duas tunicas habeatis.

4And into whatsoever house you enter, tarry there, and do not depart.And into whatsoever house you enter, tarry there, and thence do not depart.And into whatsoeuer house you enter, tarie there, and thence doe not depart.Et in quamcumque domum intraveritis, ibi manete, et inde ne exeatis.

5And whosoever shall not receive you, going forth out of that city, shake off the dust also of your feet for a testimony upon them.And whosoever shall not receive you, going forth out of that city, shake off the dust also of your feet for a testimony upon them.And whosoever shal not receiue you, going forth out of that citie, shake of the dust also of your feete for a testimonie vpon them.Et quicumque non receperint vos : exeuntes de civitate illa, etiam pulverem pedum vestrorum excutite in testimonium supra illos.

6And going forth they went a from town to town evangelizing and curing every where.And going forth they went a from town to town evangelizing and curing every where.And going forth they vvent a circuite from tovvne to tovvne euangelizing and curing euery vvhere.Egressi autem circuibant per castella evangelizantes, et curantes ubique.

7And Herod the Tetrarch heard all things that were done by him: and he because it was said of some, That John was risen from the dead.And Herod the Tetrarch heard all things that were done by him: and he because it was said of some, That John was risen from the dead.And Herod the Tetrarch heard al things that vvere done by him: and he staggered because it vvas said of some, That Iohn vvas risen from the dead.Audivit autem Herodes tetrarcha omnia quæ fiebant ab eo, et hæsitabat eo quod diceretur

8But of other some, That Elias appeared: and of others, that a Prophet one of the old ones was risen.But of other some, That Elias hath appeared: and of others, that a Prophet one of the old ones was risen.but of other some, That Elias hath appeared: and of others, that a Prophet one of the old ones vvas risen.a quibusdam : Quia Joannes surrexit a mortuis : a quibusdam vero : Quia Elias apparuit : ab aliis autem : Quia propheta unus de antiquis surrexit.✦

9And Herod said, John I have beheaded: but who is this of whom I hear such things? And he sought for to see him.And Herod said, John I have beheaded: but who is this of whom I hear such things? And he sought for to see him.And Herod said, Iohn I haue beheaded: but vvho is this of vvhom I heare such things? And he sought for to see him.Et ait Herodes : Joannem ego decollavi : quis est autem iste, de quo ego talia audio ? Et quærebat videre eum.

10And the Apostles being returned, reported to him whatsoever they did: and taking them he retired apart into a desert place, which to Bethsaida.And the Apostles being returned, reported to him whatsoever they did: and taking them he retired apart into a desert place, which belongeth to Bethsaida.And the Apostles being returned, reported to him vvhatsoeuer they did: and taking them he retired apart into a desert place, vvhich belongeth to Beth-saida.Et reversi Apostoli, narraverunt illi quæcumque fecerunt : et assumptis illis secessit seorsum in locum desertum, qui est Bethsaidæ.

11Which the multitudes understanding, followed him: and he received them, and spake to them of the Kingdom of God, and them that had need of cure he healed.Which the multitudes understanding, followed him: and he received them, and spake to them of the Kingdom of God, and them that had need of cure he healed.which the multitudes vnderstanding, folovved him: & he receiued them, and spake to them of the kingdom of God, and them that had neede of cure he healed.Quod cum cognovissent turbæ, secutæ sunt illum : et excepit eos, et loquebatur illis de regno Dei, et eos, qui cura indigebant, sanabat.

12And the day began to draw towards an end. And the Twelve coming near, said to him, Dismiss the multitudes, that going into towns and villages here about, they may have lodging, and find meats: because here we are in a desert place.And the day began to draw towards an end. And the Twelve coming near, said to him, Dismiss the multitudes, that going into towns and villages here about, they may have lodging, and find meats: because here we are in a desert place.And the day began to dravv towards an end. And the Tvvelue comming neere, said to him, Dimisse the multitudes, that going into tovvnes and villages here about, they may haue lodging, and finde meates: because here we are in a desert place.Dies autem cœperat declinare, et accedentes duodecim dixerunt illi : Dimitte turbas, ut euntes in castella villasque quæ circa sunt, divertant, et inveniant escas : quia hic in loco deserto sumus.

13And he said to them, Give you them to eat. But they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes: unless perhaps we should go and buy meats for all this multitude.And he said to them, Give you them to eat. But they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes: unless perhaps we should go and buy meats for all this multitude.And he said to them, Giue you them to eate. But they said, we haue no more but fiue loaues and tvvo fishes: vnles perhaps vve should goe and bie meates for al this multitude.Ait autem ad illos : Vos date illis manducare. At illi dixerunt : Non sunt nobis plus quam quinque panes et duo pisces : nisi forte nos eamus, et emamus in omnem hanc turbam escas.

14And there were men almost five thousand. And he said to his Disciples, Make them sit down by companies fifty and fifty.And there were men almost five thousand. And he said to his Disciples, Make them sit down by companies fifty and fifty.And there vvere men almost fiue thousand. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit dovvne by companies fiftie and fiftie.Erant autem fere viri quinque millia. Ait autem ad discipulos suos : Facite illos discumbere per convivia quinquagenos.✦

15And so they did. And they made all sit down.And so they did. And they made all sit down.And so they did. And they made al sit downe.Et ita fecerunt : et discumbere fecerunt omnes.

16And taking the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up unto Heaven, and blessed them: and he brake, and distributed to his Disciples, for to set before the multitudes.And taking the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up unto Heaven, and blessed them: and he brake, and distributed to his Disciples, for to set before the multitudes.And taking the fiue loaues and the tvvo fishes, he looked vp vnto heauen, and blessed them: and he brake, and distributed to his disciples, for to set before the multitudes.Acceptis autem quinque panibus et duobus piscibus, respexit in cælum, et benedixit illis : et fregit, et distribuit discipulis suis, ut ponerent ante turbas.

17And they did all eat, and had their fill. And there was taken up that which remained to them, twelve baskets of fragments.And they did all eat, and had their fill. And there was taken up that which remained to them, twelve baskets of fragments.And they did al eate, and had their fill. And there vvas taken vp that vvhich remained to them, tvvelue baskets of fragments.Et manducaverunt omnes, et saturati sunt. Et sublatum est quod superfuit illis, fragmentorum cophini duodecim.

18And it came to pass: when he was alone praying, his Disciples also were with him: and he asked them saying, Whom do the multitudes say that I am?And it came to pass: when he was alone praying, his Disciples also were with him: and he asked them saying, Whom do the multitudes say that I am?And it came to passe: vvhen he vvas alone praying, his disciples also vvere vvith him: and he asked them saying, VVhom doe the multitudes say that I am?Et factum est cum solus esset orans, erant cum illo et discipuli : et interrogavit illos, dicens : Quem me dicunt esse turbæ ?

19But they answered, and said, John the Baptist: and some, Elias: but some, that one of the Prophets before time, is risen.But they answered, and said, John the Baptist: and some, Elias: but some, that one of the Prophets before time, is risen.But they answered, and said, Iohn the Baptist: and some, Elias: but some, that one of the Prophets before time, is risen.At illi responderunt, et dixerunt : Joannem Baptistam, alii autem Eliam, alii vero quia unus propheta de prioribus surrexit.

20And he said to them, But whom say ye that I am? Simon Peter answering, said, The Christ of God.And he said to them, But whom say ye that I am? Simon Peter answering, said, The Christ of God.And he said to them, But vvhom say ye that I am? Simon Peter ansvvering, said, The CHRIST of God.Dixit autem illis : Vos autem quem me esse dicitis ? Respondens Simon Petrus, dixit : Christum Dei.

21But he rebuking them, commanded that they should tell this to no man,But he rebuking them, commanded that they should tell this to no man,But he rebuking them, commaunded that they should tell this to no man,At ille increpans illos, præcepit ne cui dicerent hoc,

22saying, That the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the Ancients and chief Priests and Scribes, and be killed, and the third day rise again.saying, That the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the Ancients and chief Priests and Scribes, and be killed, and the third day rise again.saying, That the sonne of man must suffer many things, and be reiected of the Auncients and cheefe Priests and Scribes, and be killed, and the third day rise againe.dicens : Quia oportet Filium hominis multa pati, et reprobari a senioribus, et principibus sacerdotum, et scribis, et occidi, et tertia die resurgere.

23And he said to all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.And he said to all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.And he said to al, If any man vvil come after me, let him denie him self, and take vp his crosse daily, and folovv me.Dicebat autem ad omnes : Si quis vult post me venire, abneget semetipsum, et tollat crucem suam quotidie, et sequatur me.

24For he that will save his life, shall lose it: for he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall save it.For he that will save his life, shall lose it: for he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall save it.For he that vvil saue his life, shal lose it: for he that shal lose his life for my sake, shal saue it.Qui enim voluerit animam suam salvam facere, perdet illam : nam qui perdiderit animam suam propter me, salvam faciet illam.

25For what profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, and cast away himself?For what profit hath a man if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, and cast away himself?for vvhat profit hath a man if he gaine the vvhole vvorld, and lose him self, and cast avvay him self?Quid enim proficit homo, si lucretur universum mundum, se autem ipsum perdat, et detrimentum sui faciat ?

26For he that shall be ashamed of me and of my words, him the Son of man shall be ashamed of, when he shall come in his majesty, and his Father's, and of the holy Angels.For he that shall be ashamed of me and of my words, him the Son of man shall be ashamed of, when he shall come in his majesty, and his Father's, and of the holy Angels.For he that shal be ashamed of me and of my vvordes, him the Sonne of man shal be ashamed of, vvhen he shal come in his maiestie, and his fathers, and of the holy Angels.Nam qui me erubuerit, et meos sermones : hunc Filius hominis erubescet cum venerit in majestate sua, et Patris, et sanctorum angelorum.✦

Cornelius a Lapide

For whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He shall come in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels, i.e. at the day of judgment, when He shall sit as judge in the valley of Jehoshaphat, and in the presence of all, both men and angels, reward the just, and punish the evildoers.

Whosoever shall be ashamed of Me. Whosoever, from false shame or from fear of others, shall deny his faith in Me or refuse to obey My commandments, or fear the reproach of the Cross and a crucified Saviour, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, i.e. him will Christ pass over, and make of no account when He comes in that glory which He has acquired by the humiliation of His passion. For the Cross of Christ seemed to many a shame and a reproach, for Christ crucified was “unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness,” 1 Cor. 1:23. Many, therefore, from shame or fear, did not dare to profess their belief in the Cross, much less to preach Christ crucified. In opposition to whom S. Paul boldly declares, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek,” Rom. 1:16.

So the monk Martyrius took Christ, who appeared to Him as a wearied leper, upon his shoulders, and carried Him to the monastery, but felt not the weight of his burden, for the burden he was carrying supported him. There Christ assumed His own proper form, and ascending to heaven said, “As thou, Martyrius, wast not ashamed of Me on earth, I will not be ashamed of thee in heaven.”

S. Gregory (hom. 39), also, explaining this passage of S. Luke, writes, “Each one should ask himself, in order to test the reality of his confession of Christ, not whether he is ashamed of the name of the Redeemer, but rather whether by strength of purpose he has subdued all false feelings of earthly shame. In time of persecution believers might have had cause for shame at the treatment to which they were subjected; but now that persecutions are past, there is another aspect of the matter to which we should give heed. We shrink often from being lightly esteemed, and from being evilly spoken of by our fellow men, and in case of a dispute with our neighbour, we are ashamed to be the first to make amends. Because the carnal heart, seeking this world’s glory, refuses the grace of humility;” and further on he gives the remedy for this false shame. “Let human pride be confounded, and let every man be ashamed, if he be not the first to seek to make amends to his neighbour; since, after we have done amiss, God by His ministers beseeches us to be reconciled to Him, whom we have offended.”

27And I say to you assuredly, There be some standing here that shall not taste death, till they see the Kingdom of God.And I say to you assuredly, There be some standing here that shall not taste death, till they see the Kingdom of God.And I say to you assuredly, There be some standing here that shal not taste death, til they see the kingdom of God.Dico autem vobis vere : sunt aliqui hic stantes, qui non gustabunt mortem donec videant regnum Dei.¶

28And it came to pass after these words almost eight days, and he took Peter and James and John, and went into a mountain to pray.And it came to pass after these words almost eight days, and he took Peter and James and John, and went into a mountain to pray.And it came to passe after these vvordes almost eight daies, and he tooke Peter and Iames and Iohn, and vvent into a mountaine to pray.Factum est autem post hæc verba fere dies octo, et assumpsit Petrum, et Jacobum, et Joannem, et ascendit in montem ut oraret.

29And whiles he prayed, the shape of his countenance was altered: and his white and glistering.And whiles he prayed, the shape of his countenance was altered: and his white and glistering.And vvhiles he prayed, the shape of his countenance vvas altered: and his raiment vvhite and glistering.Et facta est, dum oraret, species vultus ejus altera : et vestitus ejus albus et refulgens.✦

30And behold two men talked with him. And they were Moyses and Elias,And behold two men talked with him. And they were Moyses and Elias,And behold tvvo men talked vvith him. And they vvere Moyses and Elias,Et ecce duo viri loquebantur cum illo. Erant autem Moyses et Elias,

31appearing in majesty. And they told his decease that he should accomplish in Jerusalem.appearing in majesty. And they told his decease that he should accomplish in Jerusalem.appearing in maiestie. And they told his decease that he should accomplish in Hierusalem.visi in majestate : et dicebant excessum ejus, quem completurus erat in Jerusalem.✦

Cornelius a Lapide

And spake of his decease, ἔξοδον, departure, i.e. death.

1. They spake of His death, that He should die upon the Cross.

2. But the words may signify the victory which Christ was to win over death and sin and Satan. Allusion is made to the deliverance, the exodus of Israel from Egypt, and the destruction of Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, which is a type of the deliverance effected by Christ for His people. Cyril thinks that by exodus we must understand “His passion” and the Arabic version interprets the word by “eventum,” “outcome:” “They spake of the outcome and the events connected with the sufferings and triumph which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”

3. Some take the word to mean the excess of love and all virtues. For on the Cross was exhibited the excess and perfection of love, obedience, humility, patience, and every Christian virtue, inasmuch as Christ by the offering of Himself far exceeded the utmost limits of human virtue. This “excessus” then was an ecstasy of love, wherein Christ went as it were out of Himself to show the immensity of His love for God and men.

32But Peter and they that were with him, were heavy with sleep. And awaking, they saw his majesty, and the two men that stood with him.But Peter and they that were with him, were heavy with sleep. And awaking, they saw his majesty, and the two men that stood with him.But Peter and they that vvere vvith him, vvere heauie vvith sleepe. And avvaking, they savv his maiestie, and the tvvo men that stoode vvith him.Petrus vero, et qui cum illo erant, gravati erant somno. Et evigilantes viderunt majestatem ejus, et duos viros qui stabant cum illo.✦

33And it came to pass, when they departed from him, Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles, one for , and one for Moyses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.And it came to pass, when they departed from him, Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moyses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.And it came to passe, vvhen they departed from him, Peter said to IESVS, Maister, it is good for vs to be here: and let vs make three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moyses, and one for Elias: not knovving vvhat he said.Et factum est cum discederent ab illo, ait Petrus ad Jesum : Præceptor, bonum est nos hic esse : et faciamus tria tabernacula, unum tibi, et unum Moysi, et unum Eliæ : nesciens quid diceret.

34And as he spake these things, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared, when they entered into the cloud.And as he spake these things, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared, when they entered into the cloud.And as he spake these things, there came a cloud, and ouershadovved them: and they feared, vvhen they entered into the cloude.Hæc autem illo loquente, facta est nubes, et obumbravit eos : et timuerunt, intrantibus illis in nubem.

35And a voice was made out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, hear him.And a voice was made out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, hear him.And a voice vvas made out of the cloude, saying, This is my beloued sonne, heare him.Et vox facta est de nube, dicens : Hic est Filius meus dilectus, ipsum audite.

36And whiles the voice was made, Jesus was found alone. And they held their peace, and told no man in those days any of these things which they had seen.And whiles the voice was made, Jesus was found alone. And they held their peace, and told no man in those days any of these things which they had seen.And vvhiles the voice vvas made, IESVS vvas found alone. And they held their peace, and told no man in those daies any of these things vvhich they had seen.Et dum fieret vox, inventus est Jesus solus. Et ipsi tacuerunt, et nemini dixerunt in illis diebus quidquam ex his quæ viderant.

37And it came to pass the day following, when they came down from the mountain, there met him a great multitude.And it came to pass the day following, when they came down from the mountain, there met him a great multitude.And it came to passe the day folovving, vvhen they came dovvne from the mountaine, there mette him a great multitude.Factum est autem in sequenti die, descendentibus illis de monte, occurrit illis turba multa.

38And behold a man of the multitude cried out, saying, Master, I beseech , look upon my son because he is mine only one.And behold a man of the multitude cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son because he is mine only one.And behold a man of the multitude cried out, saying, Maister, I beseeche thee, looke vpon my sonne because he is mine only one.Et ecce vir de turba exclamavit, dicens : Magister, obsecro te, respice in filium meum quia unicus est mihi :

39And lo, the spirit him, and he suddenly , and he him, and him that he , and with much ado him.And lo, the spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth, and he dasheth him, and teareth him that he foameth, and with much ado departeth him.and loe, the spirit taketh him, and he sodenly crieth, and he dasheth him, and teareth him that he fometh, and vvith much a doe departeth renting him.et ecce spiritus apprehendit eum, et subito clamat, et elidit, et dissipat eum cum spuma, et vix discedit dilanians eum :

40And I desired Disciples to cast him out, and they could not.And I desired thy Disciples to cast him out, and they could not.And I desired thy disciples to cast him out, and they could not.et rogavi discipulos tuos ut ejicerent illum, et non potuerunt.

41And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse Generation, how long shall I be with you and suffer you? bring son.And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse Generation, how long shall I be with you and suffer you? bring hither thy son.And IESVS ansvvering said, O faithles and peruerse generation, how long shal I be with you and suffer you? bring hither thy sonne.Respondens autem Jesus, dixit : O generatio infidelis, et perversa, usquequo ero apud vos, et patiar vos ? adduc huc filium tuum.

42And when he came to him, the Devil dashed, and tore him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean Spirit, and healed the lad: and him to his father.And when he came to him, the Devil dashed, and tore him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean Spirit, and healed the lad: and him to his father.And vvhen he came to him, the deuil dashed, and tore him. And IESVS rebuked the vncleane spirit, and healed the lad: and rendred him to his father.Et cum accederet, elisit illum dæmonium, et dissipavit.

43And all were astonished at the might of God: and all marvelling at all things that he did, he said to his Disciples,And all were astonished at the might of God: and all marvelling at all things that he did, he said to his Disciples,And al were astonied at the might of God: and al merueiling at al things that he did, he said to his disciples,Et increpavit Jesus spiritum immundum, et sanavit puerum, et reddidit illum patri ejus.

44Lay you in your hearts these words, for it shall come to pass that the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.Lay you in your hearts these words, for it shall come to pass that the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.Lay you in your hartes these vvordes, for it shal come to passe that the Sonne of man shal be deliuered into the hands of men.Stupebant autem omnes in magnitudine Dei : omnibusque mirantibus in omnibus quæ faciebat, dixit ad discipulos suos : Ponite vos in cordibus vestris sermones istos : Filius enim hominis futurum est ut tradatur in manus hominum.

45But they did not know this word, and it was covered before them, that they perceived it not. And they were afraid to ask him of this word.But they did not know this word, and it was covered before them, that they perceived it not. And they were afraid to ask him of this word.But they did not know this vvord, and it vvas couered before them, that they perceiued it not. And they vvere afraid to aske him of this vvord.At illi ignorabant verbum istud, et erat velatum ante eos ut non sentirent illud : et timebant eum interrogare de hoc verbo.

46And there entered a into them, which of them should be greater.And there entered a into them, which of them should be greater.And there entred a cogitation into them, vvhich of them should be greater.Intravit autem cogitatio in eos quis eorum major esset.

47But Jesus seeing the of their heart, took a child and set him by him,But Jesus seeing the of their heart, took a child and set him by him,But IESVS seeing the cogitations of their hart, tooke a childe and set him by him,At Jesus videns cogitationes cordis illorum, apprehendit puerum, et statuit illum secus se,

48and said to them, whosoever this child in my name, me: and whosoever me, him that sent me. For he that is the lesser among you all, he is the greater.and said to them, whosoever receiveth this child in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. For he that is the lesser among you all, he is the greater.and said to them, whosoeuer receiueth this childe in my name, receiueth me: and vvhosoeuer receiueth me, receiueth him that sent me. For he that is the lesser among you al, he is the greater.et ait illis : Quicumque susceperit puerum istum in nomine meo, me recipit : et quicumque me receperit, recipit eum qui me misit. Nam qui minor est inter vos omnes, hic major est.

49And John answering said, Master, we saw a certain man casting out Devils in name, and we prohibited him, because he not with us.And John answering said, Master, we saw a certain man casting out Devils in thy name, and we prohibited him, because he followeth not with us.And Iohn ansvvering said, Maister, vve savv a certaine man casting out deuils in thy name, and vve prohibited him, because he folovveth not vvith vs.Respondens autem Joannes dixit : Præceptor, vidimus quemdam in nomine tuo ejicientem dæmonia, et prohibuimus eum : quia non sequitur nobiscum.✦

50And Jesus said to him, Prohibit not. For he that is not against you, is for you.And Jesus said to him, Prohibit not. For he that is not against you, is for you.And IESVS said to him, Prohibit not. for he that is not against you, is for you.Et ait ad illum Jesus : Nolite prohibere : qui enim non est adversum vos, pro vobis est.✦

51And it came to pass, whiles the days of his were accomplishing, and he fixed his face to go into Jerusalem.And it came to pass, whiles the days of his were accomplishing, and he fixed his face to go into Jerusalem.And it came to passe, vvhiles the daies of his assumption were accomplishing, and he fixed his face to goe into Hierusalem.Factum est autem dum complerentur dies assumptionis ejus, et ipse faciem suam firmavit ut iret in Jerusalem.✦

Cornelius a Lapide

And it came to pass when the time was come (i.e. was drawing nigh) that He should be received up. The time when, after having fulfilled His earthly ministry, He was to return again to the Father. The day foreordained of God when He was to be taken up into heaven. Euthymius. Up to this time Christ had, for two years and a half, been preaching the Gospel everywhere, but chiefly in the towns and villages of Galilee. There yet remained to Him six months of life. He therefore now set forth to preach more particularly to the inhabitants of the holy city and Judæa, in order to prepare for His passion in Jerusalem and resurrection from the dead. S. Luke therefore implies that hitherto he had written of those things which Christ had done in Galilee, but was henceforward about to tell of what was done in Judæa.

He stedfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem. With a firm and undismayed mind. Bede. Christ turned not aside, as timid and hesitating people are wont to do, but went direct to Jerusalem, eager for the dread encounter. Titus, Theophylact, and others.

For,” says Jerome, “He who of His own will was hastening to His passion, needed both fortitude and firmness.”

Thus it behoves us also to nerve our hearts, after the example of the martyrs, to endure hardship, like the lions described by Pliny, who tells us that, “when a lioness fights for her young, she keeps her eyes fixed on the ground, that she may not be terrified by the sight of the hunters.”

S. Mark adds, 10:32, “and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed;” because they saw Him cheerfully and with a good courage going up to suffer and to die, and “as they followed, they were afraid” lest they might be called upon to die with Him.

It seems clear, as I have said in my chronological table, that this journey of Christ from Galilee to Judæa, is the same as that mentioned by S. Matt. 19:1; by S. Mark 10:32; and S. John 7:2 and 14.

From the latter Evangelist it is apparent that the journey was undertaken at the time of the feast of tabernacles, which falls in the September of our year, and since Christ suffered in the following March, it follows that the events here recorded happened about six months before the crucifixion. It is also evident, from what is recorded by S. Luke in the subsequent chapters, that during this period Christ often went to Jerusalem, and returned thence through Judæa, preaching and working miracles, as He had before done in Galilee; but we must bear in mind that S. Luke at times interrupts his narrative to recapitulate certain things which had happened before our Lord had come to Judæa. Jansenius, Francis Lucas, and others.

On the other hand, Maldonatus places this journey a year before the death of our Lord, and is of opinion that Christ returned again to Galilee, and only went up to Jerusalem to suffer and to die. But this explanation does not agree with the words of the fifty-first verse, “when the time was come that He should be received up”—words which would not have been written if the time had been a year distant.

52And he sent messengers before his face: and going they entered into a city of the Samaritans to prepare for him.And he sent messengers before his face: and going they entered into a city of the Samaritans to prepare for him.And he sent messengers before his face: and going they entred into a citie of the Samaritans to prepare for him.Et misit nuntios ante conspectum suum : et euntes intraverunt in civitatem Samaritanorum ut pararent illi.✦

53And they received him not, because his face was to go to Jerusalem.And they received him not, because his face was to go to Jerusalem.And they receiued him not, because his face vvas to goe to Hierusalem.Et non receperunt eum, quia facies ejus erat euntis in Jerusalem.¶✦

54And when his Disciples James and John had seen it, they said, Lord we say that fire come down from Heaven and consume them?And when his Disciples James and John had seen it, they said, Lord wilt thou we say that fire come down from Heaven and consume them?And vvhen his disciples Iames and Iohn had seen it, they said, Lord vvilt thou vve say that fire come dovvne from heauen and consume them'?Cum vidissent autem discipuli ejus Jacobus et Joannes, dixerunt : Domine, vis dicimus ut ignis descendat de cælo, et consumat illos ?✦

Cornelius a Lapide

And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? They show themselves to be indeed Boanerges, or sons of thunder, for with excess of zeal they would destroy these Samaritans, because of their inhospitality and refusal to receive Christ. They remembered how Elijah had destroyed those who had been sent by Ahaziah to apprehend him (2 Kings 1:10), and they knew that Jesus was mightier than that prophet; and if fire was sent from heaven to protect Elijah from harm, and to consume the Jews, who had come to take him, how much more deserving of punishment were these Samaritans, who had refused to receive the Son of God.

Wilt Thou that we command? For as S. Jerome goes on to say (Epist. 151), “The command of the Apostles can effect nothing, unless by the permission and will of God.” They therefore seek from Christ, as from a judge, justice, and the punishment of the wicked, according to their deserts.

55And turning, he rebuked them, saying, You know not of what spirit you are.And turning, he rebuked them, saying, You know not of what spirit you are.And turning, he rebuked them, saying, You knovv not of vvhat spirit you are.Et conversus increpavit illos, dicens : Nescitis cujus spiritus estis.¶✦

Cornelius a Lapide

But He turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. By spirit we must understand “disposition of mind,” whether for virtue or vice. Ye know not what spirit worketh in you. Ye think ye are led by the spirit of God, when ye are prompted by impatience and the spirit of vengeance. Ye know not to what spirit ye are called. Ye know not that ye should be meek and lowly, as I your Lord and Master am. Ye would imitate the zeal of Elijah, and demand “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” Exod. 21:24. But this is not my spirit, nor is it the teaching of the new and Gospel Law, for I say unto you “Love your enemies, and do good unto those that hate you.” S. Matt. 5:44. Have ye not heard and learned this from Me, or are ye so soon forgetful of my doctrine and teaching? He who had come, not for judgment but to show mercy, not in power but in humility, not in the glory of His Father but in lowly fashion as a man, rebuked them because they were forgetful both of His teaching and of the merciful precepts of His Gospel. S. Jerome.

56The Son of man came not to destroy souls, but to save. And they went into another town.The Son of man came not to destroy souls, but to save. And they went into another town.The sonne of man came not to destroy soules, but to saue. And they vvent into an other tovvne.Filius hominis non venit animas perdere, sed salvare. Et abierunt in aliud castellum.✦

Cornelius a Lapide

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. Act, therefore, saith Bede, according to the spirit ye are of. Following the example of Christ, bear patiently as becometh saints. Titus.

And they went to another village, where they might meet with a better reception. By this He teaches His Apostles that hereafter, when they went throughout the world to preach the Gospel, if they were cast out of one city, they were patiently to go on to another. Hence He allowed Himself to be rejected by the Samaritans, that by His rebuke of James and John, He might teach the Apostles a life-long lesson. For, as saith S. Ambrose, mercy promoteth in thee patience, in the offender correction. Thus we find that these Samaritans who were spared punishment the sooner became believers. S. John 4; Acts 8.

Perfect virtue desireth not vengeance, nor can anger exist where love aboundeth. The infirmities of our fellow men are to be borne with and remedied, not to be rejected as incapable of cure. Titus.

57And it came to pass as they walked in the way, a certain man said to him, I will follow .And it came to pass as they walked in the way, a certain man said to him, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.And it came to passe as they vvalked in the vvay, a certaine man said to him, I vvil folovv thee vvhithersoeuer thou goest.Factum est autem : ambulantibus illis in via, dixit quidam ad illum : Sequar te quocumque ieris.

58Jesus said to him, The foxes have holes, and the fowls of the air nests: but the Son of man not where to repose his head.Jesus said to him, The foxes have holes, and the fowls of the air nests: but the Son of man hath not where to repose his head.IESVS said to him, The foxes haue holes, and the foules of the aire nestes: but the sonne of man hath not where to repose his head.Dixit illi Jesus : Vulpes foveas habent, et volucres cæli nidos : Filius autem hominis non habet ubi caput reclinet.

59But he said to another, Follow me. And he said, Lord, permit me first to go, and to bury my father.But he said to another, Follow me. And he said, Lord, permit me first to go, and to bury my father.But he said to an other, Folow me. And he said, Lord, permit me first to goe, and to burie my father.Ait autem ad alterum : Sequere me : ille autem dixit : Domine, permitte mihi primum ire, et sepelire patrem meum.

60And Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go , set forth the Kingdom of God.And Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou, set forth the Kingdom of God.And IESVS said to him, Let the dead burie their dead: but goe thou, set forth the kingdom of God.Dixitque ei Jesus : Sine ut mortui sepeliant mortuos suos : tu autem vade, et annuntia regnum Dei.

61And another said, I will follow Lord, but permit me first to take my leave of them that are at home.And another said, I will follow thee Lord, but permit me first to take my leave of them that are at home.And an other said, I vvil folovv thee Lord, but permit me first to take my leaue of them that are at home.Et ait alter : Sequar te Domine, sed permitte mihi primum renuntiare his quæ domi sunt.✦

Cornelius a Lapide

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. This verse has been variously explained.

1. Suffer me to give notice to my parents and to consult with them; for he was doubtful what he should do. But Christ would not grant his request, because parents very often do not approve of the higher life, and sometimes dissuade their children from adopting it. Titus.

2. Suffer me to tell my parents of my intention, that knowing what is become of me, they may neither be anxious about me, nor come to seek me. S. Augustin (serm. vii. De verbis Domini) and Toletus.

3. S. Basil (Constit. cap. xxi.) thinks that the man, like the one who preceded him, was a disciple, and that he only sought permission to say farewell to his friends, as about to return to them no more. The Syriac favours this interpretation, and translates, “Let me go to salute, i.e. to bid farewell to my family at home, and I will ome again.”

4. The best rendering is that of the Vulgate, which for “them” substitutes “those things.” Let me go bid “those things” farewell. Give me time to dispose of my property at home, and divide it amongst my brethren and kinsmen; for this is the true meaning of the Greek word ἀποτάξασθαι. Hence the Arabic has, “Suffer me to make division amongst my friends at home.” So also S. Augustin, Maldonatus, and others.

62Jesus said to him, No man putting his hand to the plough, and looking back, is apt for the Kingdom of God.Jesus said to him, No man putting his hand to the plough, and looking back, is apt for the Kingdom of God.IESVS said to him, No man putting his hand to the plough, and looking backe, is apt for the kingdom of God.Ait ad illum Jesus : Nemo mittens manum suam ad aratrum, et respiciens retro, aptus est regno Dei.¶✦

Cornelius a Lapide

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God, or, to carry on the metaphor, is fit to work in the vineyard of God. For as the ploughman who seeks to make his furrows straight ought to look forward and never back, so he who has determined to consecrate himself to God’s service, is unworthy to be Christ’s disciple and to be an heir of the heavenly kingdom, if he still has regard for the perishable possessions of this world which he has renounced and given up; and so Euthymius says, “He who follows Christ ought forthwith to give up all things, lest by averting his eyes from his leader and guide, he might again be entangled by the sight of those things which he has left.” So also Titus, Jansenius, Toletus, and others.

Christ in this very remarkable verse points out the way of perfection, and endeavours to withdraw the man from his own anxiety for his friends and possessions, in order that he might give himself up wholly to God. Especially as there was danger lest, delayed in the disposal of his property, or impressed with the value of his possessions, he might change his purpose, and like many others, lose the hope of his calling. And again, there was no need of his presence, for his brethren and kinsfolk could divide his property without him.

Thus James and John, when they were called, left their father and their nets, and straightway followed Christ, S. Matt. 4:20. But on the other hand Elisha (1 Kings 19:20) was permitted to bid farewell to his father and mother, apparently because there was in his case little danger of his being forgetful of his call. Hence S. Basil saith (serm. 1 De Baptism): He looks back who delays, however briefly, that obedience which is to be rendered at once and promptly to the call of God.

Hence of the cherubim we read (Ezek. 1:12), “They went every one straight forward: they turned not when they went.” Whereon S. Gregory says the winged creatures, i.e. holy preachers, turn not as they go, because they are passing through earthly things to heavenly; and therefore no more return to these things which they have left behind. For to seek in heart and mind after better things is, as it were, to advance or go along a certain road. Hence S. Paul, Phil. 3:13, 14: “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” And to the bride it is said, “Forget thine own people and thy father’s house,” Ps. 45:10.

Hence also S. Augustin (serm. 7 De verbis Domini) says, “The east calleth thee, and thou turnest to the west.”

Figuratively, says Bede, he putteth his hand to the plough, who by the Cross of Christ, as if by an instrument of remorse, wears away the hardness of his heart, and opens it to bear the fruit of good works. But he must not look back like Lot’s wife to the things which he has left, and if the follower of the Lord, who wishes to bid farewell to them which are at home, is worthy of reproach, what will become of them, who for no sufficient reason visit the houses of those whom they have left in the world? For the frequent looking back on the things which we have forsaken, by force of habit draws us again to our past way of life. For practice, by which habits are formed, is very powerful; and habits become a second nature, which it is difficult to do away with or change. For it rapidly returns to itself.

See also the copious explanation of Suarez, “De voto, lib. 1. cap. ii.

Annotationsfrom the original 1582 Rheims New Testament

27Till they see etc. To the Apostles, that had to preach the Kingdom of God and to suffer so much misery for the same in this world, he would shew his glory, and give them a taste of his own joyful state and of his Saints in Heaven, calling thither Moyses and Elias, that the Law and Prophets might be witnesses of the same. See the annotation upon St Matthew c. 17, 1.Til they see &c. To the Apostles, that had to preach the Kingdom of God and to suffer so much miserie for the same in this world, he would shew his glorie, and giue them a tast of his owne ioyful state and of his Saints in Heauen, calling thither Moyses and Elias, that the Law & Prophets might be witnesses of the same. See the annotation on S. Matthew c. 17, 1.

The Transfiguration.

53Face to go to Jerusalem. The Samaritans were Schismatics from the Jews, and had a Schismatical Temple in mount Garizim, of purpose to draw men thither from God's Temple in Jerusalem, where only was the true and as it were the Catholic service and Sacrifice unto God. Therefore they did not gladly receive our Saviour, because they perceived he was going to Jerusalem.Face to goe to Hierusalem. The Samaritans were Schismatikes from the Iewes, and had a Schismatical Temple in mount Garizim, of purpose to draw men thither from Gods Temple in Hierusalem, where only was the true and as it were the Catholike seruice and Sacrifice vnto God. Therfore they did not gladly receiue our Sauiour, because they perceiued he was going to Hierusalem.

Schismatics.John 4, 9. 3. Kings 11, 17. Tobias 1.

Io. 4, 9. 3. Reg. 11, 17. Tob. 1.Schismatikes.

55He rebuked them. Not justice nor all rigorous punishment of sinners is here forbidden, nor Elias' fact reprehended, nor the Church or Christian Princes blamed for putting Heretics to death: but that none of these should be done for desire of our particular revenge, or without discretion, and regard of their amendment, and example to others. Therefore St Peter used his power upon Ananias and Saphira, when he stroke them both down to death for defrauding the Church.He rebuked them. Not iustice nor al rigorous punishment of sinners is here forbidden, nor Elias fact reprehended, nor the Church or Christian Princes blamed for putting Heretikes to death: but that none of these should be done for desire of our particular reuenge, or without discretion, & regard of their amendement, and example to others. Therfore S. Peter vsed his power vpon Ananias and Saphira, when he stroke them both downe to death for defrauding the Church.

The Church's severity.

The Churches seueritie.

Desire of revenge.Acts 5.

Act. 5.Desire of reuenge.

62No man looking back. It is a dangerous temptation for a man that hath lost or left his goods for Christ, to look much back at them, and to remember with delight the pleasures and eases of this world. For it breedeth in him discontentment of the troubles and crosses that are incident to the state of such as fully follow Christ. In which case a man should ever look forward towards Heaven, and never backward to the world.No man looking backe. It is a dangerous temptation for a man that hath lost or left his goods for Christ, to looke much backe at them, and to remember with delight the pleasures & eases of this world. For it breedeth in him discontentment of the troubles and crosses that are incident to the state of such as fully follow Christ. In which case a man should euer looke forward towards Heauen, and neuer backward to the world.

Looking back.

Looking backe.

The reading text follows the 1582 first edition. Also available: 1582 first edition, Plantin Louvain (Latin).

Cornelius a Lapide’s commentary on Luke 9 — verse-by-verse exposition→

Chapter 9 of 24

Annotationsfrom the original 1582 Rheims New Testament