¶ And he departed thence, and came into his own country, and his disciples followed him. And when the saboth day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue. And many that heard him were astonied, and said: From whence hath he these things? and what wisdom is this that is given unto him? and such virtues that are wrought by his hands? Is not this that carpenter Mary's son, the brother of Iames, and Ioses and Iuda and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were hurt by the reason of him. And Iesus said unto them: a prophet is not despised but in his own country, and among his own kin, and among them that are of the same household. And he could there shew no miracles but laid his hands upon a few sick folk and healed them. And he marvelled at their unbelief.
¶ And he went about by the towns that lie in circuit, teaching. And he called the twelve, and began to send them, two and two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. And commanded them, that they should take nothing unto their Journey, save a rod only: Neither scrip, neither bread, neither money in their purses: but should be shod with sandals. And that they should not put on two coats. And said unto them: wheresoever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart thence. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet, for a remembrance unto them. I say verily unto you, it shallbe easier for Sodom and Gomor, at the day of judgement, than for that city.
¶ And they went out and preached, that they should repent: and they cast out many devils. And they anointed, many that were sick with oil and healed them.
¶ And king Herode heard of him, for his name was spread abroad, And he said: Ihon Baptist is risen again from death, and therefore miracles are wrought in him. Other said, it is Helias: and some said: it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. But when Herode heard of him, he said: it is Ihon whom I beheaded, he is risen from death again.
¶ For Herode himself, had sent forth, and had taken Ihon, and bound him and cast him into prison for Herodias' sake which was his brother Philip's wife. For he had married her. Ihon said unto Herode: It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. Herodias laid wait for him, and would have killed him, but she could not. For Herode feared Ihon, knowing that he was just and holy, and gave him reverence, And when he heard him he did many things, and heard him gladly.
¶ And when a convenient day was come: Herode on his birthday made a supper to the lords, captains, and chief estates of Galile. And the daughter of the same Herodias came in and danced, and pleased Herode and them that sat at board also. Then the king said unto the maiden: ask of me what thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, even unto the one half of my kingdom. And she went forth and said to her mother: what shall I ask? And she said: Ihon baptist's head. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked saying: I will, that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of Ihon baptist. And the king was sorry yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat at supper also, he would not put her beside her purpose. And immediately the king sent the hangman and commanded his head to be brought in. And he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a charger and gave it to the maiden, and the maiden gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his body, and put it in a tomb.
¶ And the apostles gathered themselves together to Iesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And he said unto them: come ye apart into the wilderness, and rest awhile. For there were many comers and goers. And they had no leisure wos for to eat. And he went by ship aside out of the way into a desert place. And the people spied them when they departed: and many knew him, and they hasted afoot thither out of every city, and came thither before them, And came together unto him. And Iesus went out and saw much people, and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep which had no shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.
¶ And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him saying: this is a desert place, and now the day is far passed, let them depart, that they may go into the country round about, and into the towns, and buy them bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and said unto them: give ye them to eat. And they said unto him: shall we go and buy ij.C. pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? He said unto them: how many loaves have ye? Go and look. And when they had searched, they said: v. and ij. fishes. And he commanded them to make them all sit down, by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down here a row and there a row, by hundreds and by fifties. And he took the v. loaves and the ij. fishes And looked up to heaven and blest, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to put before them, and the ij. fishes he divided among them all. And they all ate, and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the gobbets and of the fishes. And they that ate were about five thousand men.
¶ And straightway he caused his disciples to go into the ship, and to go over the water before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. And as soon as he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. And when even was come the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land, and he saw them troubled in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them. And about the fourth quarter of the night, he came unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. When they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were afraid. And anon he talked with them, and said unto them: be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship, and the wind ceased, and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marvelled. For they remembered not of the loaves, because their hearts were blinded.
¶ And they came over, and went into the land of Genazareth, and drew up into the haven. And as soon as they were come out of the ship, straight they knew him, and ran forth throughout all the region round a about, and began to carry about in beds all that were sick, when they heard tell that he was there. And whithersoever he entered into the towns, or cities, or villages, they laid their sick in the streets, and prayed him, that they might touch and it were but the edge of his vesture. And as many as touched him were safe.
© Faith of God
William Tyndale 1526