The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face, who shall prepare Thy way before Thee.”

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.’”

John baptized in the wilderness and preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

And there went out unto him all the land of Judea and those of Jerusalem; and they were all baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins.

And John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a girdle of a skin about his loins, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

And he preached, saying, “There cometh after me One mightier than I, the strap of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

I indeed have baptized you with water, but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.”

And it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him.

And there came a voice from Heaven, saying, “Thou Art My Beloved Son, In Whom I Am Well Pleased.”

And immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.

And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto Him.

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God

and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent ye and believe the Gospel.”

Now as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers.

And Jesus said unto them, “Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.”

And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed Him.

And when He had gone a little farther thence, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets.

And straightway He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.

And they went into Capernaum, and straightway on the Sabbath day He entered into the synagogue and taught.

And they were astonished at His doctrine, for He taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

saying, “Let us alone. What have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth? Hast Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee and who Thou art — the Holy One of God!”

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Hold thy peace, and come out of him!”

And when the unclean spirit had torn him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority he commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

And immediately His fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

And forthwith when they had come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and at once they told Him of her.

And He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

And at evening, when the sun had set, they brought unto Him all who were diseased and those who were possessed with devils.

And all the city was gathered together at the door.

And He healed many who were sick with divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and He suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew Him.

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

And Simon and those who were with Him followed after Him.

And when they had found Him, they said unto Him, “All men seek for Thee.”

And He said unto them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also; for therefore came I forth.”

And He preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

And there came a leper to Him, beseeching Him and kneeling down to Him and saying unto Him, “If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.”

And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth His hand and touched him, and said unto him, “I will; be thou clean.”

And as soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

And He strictly charged him, and forthwith sent him away,

saying unto him, “See that thou say nothing to any man; but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony unto them.”

But he went out and began to proclaim it much and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, and was outside in desert places. And they came to Him from every quarter.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Even as it is written in Isaiah the prophet, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way;

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight;

John came, who baptized in the wilderness and preached the baptism of repentance unto remission of sins.

And there went out unto him all the country of Judaea, and all they of Jerusalem; and they were baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leathern girdle about his loins, and did eat locusts and wild honey.

And he preached, saying, There cometh after me he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

I baptized you in water; but he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit.

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in the Jordan.

And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens rent asunder, and the Spirit as a dove descending upon him:

and a voice came out of the heavens, Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased.

And straightway the Spirit driveth him forth into the wilderness.

And he was in the wilderness forty days tempted of Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,

and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel.

And passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishers.

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

And straightway they left the nets, and followed him.

And going on a little further, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending the nets.

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.

And they go into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught.

And they were astonished at his teaching: for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.

And straightway there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus thou Nazarene? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

And the unclean spirit, tearing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What is this? a new teaching! with authority he commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.

And the report of him went out straightway everywhere into all the region of Galilee round about.

And straightway, when they were come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

Now Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever; and straightway they tell him of her:

and he came and took her by the hand, and raised her up; and the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were sick, and them that were possessed with demons.

And all the city was gathered together at the door.

And he healed many that were sick with divers diseases, and cast out many demons; and he suffered not the demons to speak, because they knew him.

And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up and went out, and departed into a desert place, and there prayed.

And Simon and they that were with him followed after him;

and they found him, and say unto him, All are seeking thee.

And he saith unto them, Let us go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also; for to this end came I forth.

And he went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.

And there cometh to him a leper, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And being moved with compassion, he stretched forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou made clean.

And straightway the leprosy departed from him, and he was made clean.

And he strictly charged him, and straightway sent him out,

and saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to spread abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

The beginning of the [facts regarding the] good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written and forever remains in the [writings of the] prophet Isaiah: “Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, Who will prepare Your way—

A voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight!’”

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins [that is, requiring a change of one’s old way of thinking, turning away from sin and seeking God and His righteousness].

And all the country of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem were continually going out to him; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.

John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a [wide] leather band around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

And he was preaching, saying, “After me comes He who is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I, and I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the straps of His sandals [even as His slave].

As for me, I baptized you [who came to me] with water [only]; but He will baptize you [who truly repent] with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Immediately coming up out of the water, he (John) saw the heavens torn open, and the Spirit like a dove descending on Him (Jesus);

and a voice came out of heaven saying: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased and delighted!”

Immediately the [Holy] Spirit forced Him out into the wilderness.

He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted [to do evil] by Satan; and He was with the wild animals, and the angels ministered continually to Him.

Now after John [the Baptist] was arrested and taken into custody, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the good news of [the kingdom of] God,

and saying, “The [appointed period of] time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life] and believe [with a deep, abiding trust] in the good news [regarding salvation].”

As Jesus was walking by the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon [Peter] and Simon’s brother, Andrew, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men.”

Immediately they left their nets and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].

Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who were also in the boat mending and cleaning the nets.

Immediately Jesus called to them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired workers, and went away to follow Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].

They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

They were completely amazed at His teaching; because He was teaching them as one having [God-given] authority, and not as the scribes.

Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out [terribly from the depths of his throat],

saying, “What business do You have with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet (muzzled, silenced), and come out of him!”

The unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions, and screeching with a loud voice, came out of him.

They were all so amazed that they debated and questioned each other, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits (demons), and they obey Him.”

Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere throughout the district surrounding Galilee.

And immediately they left the synagogue and went into the house of Simon [Peter] and Andrew, accompanied by James and John.

Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they told Him about her.

Jesus went to her, and taking her by the hand, raised her up; and the fever left her, and she began to serve them [as her guests].

Now when evening came, after the sun had set [and the Sabbath Day had ended, in a steady stream] they were bringing to Him all who were sick and those who were under the power of demons,

until the whole city had gathered together at the door.

And Jesus healed many who were suffering with various diseases; and He drove out many demons, but would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him [recognizing Him as the Son of God].

Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left [the house], and went out to a secluded place, and was praying there.

Simon [Peter] and his companions searched [everywhere, looking anxiously] for Him,

and they found Him and said, “Everybody is looking for You!”

He replied, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so I may preach there also; that is why I came [from the Father].”

So He went throughout Galilee, preaching [the gospel] in their synagogues and casting out demons.

And a leper came to Him, begging Him and falling on his knees before Him, saying, “If You are willing, You are able to make me clean.”

Moved with compassion [for his suffering], Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

The leprosy left him immediately and he was cleansed [completely healed and restored to health].

And Jesus [deeply moved] admonished him sternly and sent him away immediately,

saying to him, “See that you tell no one anything [about this]; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your purification what Moses commanded, as proof to them [that you are really healed].”

But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news [of his healing], to such an extent that Jesus could no longer openly enter a city [where He was known], but stayed out in the unpopulated places; yet people were still coming to Him from everywhere.

The beginning [of the facts] of the good news (the Gospel) of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Just as it is written in the prophet Isaiah: Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will make ready Your way—

A voice of one crying in the wilderness [shouting in the desert], Prepare the way of the Lord, make His beaten tracks straight (level and passable)!

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness (desert), preaching a baptism [obligating] repentance (a change of one’s mind for the better, heartily amending one’s ways, with abhorrence of his past sins) in order to obtain forgiveness of and release from sins.

And there kept going out to him [continuously] all the country of Judea and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, as they were confessing their sins.

And John wore clothing woven of camel’s hair and had a leather girdle around his loins and ate locusts and wild honey.

And he preached, saying, After me comes He Who is stronger (more powerful and more valiant) than I, the strap of Whose sandals I am not worthy or fit to stoop down and unloose.

I have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

And when He came up out of the water, at once he [John] saw the heavens torn open and the [Holy] Spirit like a dove coming down [to enter] into Him.

And there came a voice out from within heaven, You are My Beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.

Immediately the [Holy] Spirit [from within] drove Him out into the wilderness (desert),

And He stayed in the wilderness (desert) forty days, being tempted [all the while] by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to Him [continually].

Now after John was arrested and put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom of God,

And saying, The [appointed period of] time is fulfilled (completed), and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent (have a change of mind which issues in regret for past sins and in change of conduct for the better) and believe (trust in, rely on, and adhere to) the good news (the Gospel).

And passing along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon [Peter] and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net [to and fro] in the sea, for they were fishermen.

And Jesus said to them, Come after Me and be My disciples, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

And at once they left their nets and [yielding up all claim to them] followed [with] Him [joining Him as disciples and siding with His party].

He went on a little farther and saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were in [their] boat putting their nets in order.

And immediately He called out to them, and [abandoning all mutual claims] they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went off after Him [to be His disciples, side with His party, and follow Him].

And they entered into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He went into the synagogue and began to teach.

And they were completely astonished at His teaching, for He was teaching as One Who possessed authority, and not as the scribes.

Just at that time there was in their synagogue a man [who was in the power] of an unclean spirit; and now [immediately] he raised a deep and terrible cry from the depths of his throat, saying,

What have You to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hush up (be muzzled, gagged), and come out of him!

And the unclean spirit, throwing the man into convulsions and screeching with a loud voice, came out of him.

And they were all so amazed and almost terrified that they kept questioning and demanding one of another, saying, What is this? What new (fresh) teaching! With authority He gives orders even to the unclean spirits and they obey Him!

And immediately rumors concerning Him spread [everywhere] throughout all the region surrounding Galilee.

And at once He left the synagogue and went into the house of Simon [Peter] and Andrew, accompanied by James and John.

Now Simon’s mother-in-law had for some time been lying sick with a fever, and at once they told Him about her.

And He went up to her and took her by the hand and raised her up; and the fever left her, and she began to wait on them.

Now when it was evening, after the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those under the power of demons,

Until the whole town was gathered together about the door.

And He cured many who were afflicted with various diseases; and He drove out many demons, but would not allow the demons to talk because they knew Him [intuitively].

And in the morning, long before daylight, He got up and went out to a deserted place, and there He prayed.

And Simon [Peter] and those who were with him followed Him [pursuing Him eagerly and hunting Him out],

And they found Him and said to Him, Everybody is looking for You.

And He said to them, Let us be going on into the neighboring country towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out.

[So] He went throughout the whole of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

And a leper came to Him, begging Him on his knees and saying to Him, If You are willing, You are able to make me clean.

And being moved with pity and sympathy, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him, and said to him, I am willing; be made clean!

And at once the leprosy [completely] left him and he was made clean [by being healed].

And Jesus charged him sternly (sharply and threateningly, and with earnest admonition) and [acting with deep feeling thrust him forth and] sent him away at once,

And said to him, See that you tell nothing [of this] to anyone; but begone, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your purification what Moses commanded, as a proof (an evidence and witness) to the people [that you are really healed].

But he went out and began to talk so freely about it and blaze abroad the news [spreading it everywhere] that [Jesus] could no longer openly go into a town but was outside in [lonely] desert places. But the people kept on coming to Him from all sides and every quarter.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;

And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.

And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

And all the city was gathered together at the door.

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.

And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.

And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;

And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way.

A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight!

John came baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.

He proclaimed, “One who is more powerful than I am is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals.

I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.

As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.”

Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness.

He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving him.

After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God:

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen.

“Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people.”

Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat putting their nets in order.

Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

They went into Capernaum, and right away he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach.

They were astonished at his teaching because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes.

Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out,

“What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

Jesus rebuked him saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”

And the unclean spirit threw him into convulsions, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him.

They were all amazed, and so they began to ask each other, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

At once the news about him spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee.

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went into Simon and Andrew’s house with James and John.

Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once.

So he went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them.

When evening came, after the sun had set, they brought to him all those who were sick and demon-possessed.

The whole town was assembled at the door,

and he healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying.

Simon and his companions searched for him,

and when they found him they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

And he said to them, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.”

He went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Then a man with leprosy came to him and, on his knees, begged him, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him. “I am willing,” he told him. “Be made clean.”

Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

Then he sternly warned him and sent him away at once,

telling him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

Yet he went out and began to proclaim it widely and to spread the news, with the result that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly. But he was out in deserted places, and they came to him from everywhere.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way.

A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight!

John came baptising in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and they were baptised by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins.

John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt round his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.

He proclaimed, ‘One who is more powerful than I am is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals.

I baptise you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.’

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised in the Jordan by John.

As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.’

Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness.

He was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving him.

After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God:

‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news! ’

As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea – for they were fishermen.

‘Follow me,’ Jesus told them, ‘and I will make you fish for people.’

Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Going on a little further, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat putting their nets in order.

Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

They went into Capernaum, and straight away he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach.

They were astonished at his teaching because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes.

Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out,

‘What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God! ’

Jesus rebuked him saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him! ’

And the unclean spirit threw him into convulsions, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him.

They were all amazed, and so they began to ask each other, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’

At once the news about him spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee.

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went into Simon and Andrew’s house with James and John.

Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once.

So he went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them.

When evening came, after the sun had set, they brought to him all those who were ill and demon-possessed.

The whole town was assembled at the door,

and he healed many who were ill with various diseases and drove out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying.

Simon and his companions searched for him,

and when they found him they said, ‘Everyone is looking for you.’

And he said to them, ‘Let’s go on to the neighbouring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.’

He went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Then a man with leprosy came to him and, on his knees, begged him, ‘If you are willing, you can make me clean.’

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him. ‘I am willing,’ he told him. ‘Be made clean.’

Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

Then he sternly warned him and sent him away at once,

telling him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.’

Yet he went out and began to proclaim it widely and to spread the news, with the result that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly. But he was out in deserted places, and they came to him from everywhere.

The beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, God’s Son,

happened just as it was written about in the prophecy of Isaiah: Look, I am sending my messenger before you. He will prepare your way,

a voice shouting in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.”

John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins.

Everyone in Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to the Jordan River and were being baptized by John as they confessed their sins.

John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.

He announced, “One stronger than I am is coming after me. I’m not even worthy to bend over and loosen the strap of his sandals.

I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

About that time, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River.

While he was coming up out of the water, Jesus saw heaven splitting open and the Spirit, like a dove, coming down on him.

And there was a voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.”

At once the Spirit forced Jesus out into the wilderness.

He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among the wild animals, and the angels took care of him.

After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee announcing God’s good news,

saying, “Now is the time! Here comes God’s kingdom! Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!”

As Jesus passed alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, for they were fishermen.

“Come, follow me,” he said, “and I’ll show you how to fish for people.”

Right away, they left their nets and followed him.

After going a little farther, he saw James and John, Zebedee’s sons, in their boat repairing the fishing nets.

At that very moment he called them. They followed him, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired workers.

Jesus and his followers went into Capernaum. Immediately on the Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and started teaching.

The people were amazed by his teaching, for he was teaching them with authority, not like the legal experts.

Suddenly, there in the synagogue, a person with an evil spirit screamed,

“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are. You are the holy one from God.”

“Silence!” Jesus said, speaking harshly to the demon. “Come out of him!”

The unclean spirit shook him and screamed, then it came out.

Everyone was shaken and questioned among themselves, “What’s this? A new teaching with authority! He even commands unclean spirits and they obey him!”

Right away the news about him spread throughout the entire region of Galilee.

After leaving the synagogue, Jesus, James, and John went home with Simon and Andrew.

Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed, sick with a fever, and they told Jesus about her at once.

He went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them.

That evening, at sunset, people brought to Jesus those who were sick or demon-possessed.

The whole town gathered near the door.

He healed many who were sick with all kinds of diseases, and he threw out many demons. But he didn’t let the demons speak, because they recognized him.

Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer.

Simon and those with him tracked him down.

When they found him, they told him, “Everyone’s looking for you!”

He replied, “Let’s head in the other direction, to the nearby villages, so that I can preach there too. That’s why I’ve come.”

He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and throwing out demons.

A man with a skin disease approached Jesus, fell to his knees, and begged, “If you want, you can make me clean.”

Incensed, Jesus reached out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do want to. Be clean.”

Instantly, the skin disease left him, and he was clean.

Sternly, Jesus sent him away,

saying, “Don’t say anything to anyone. Instead, go and show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifice for your cleansing that Moses commanded. This will be a testimony to them.”

Instead, he went out and started talking freely and spreading the news so that Jesus wasn’t able to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, but people came to him from everywhere.

The beginning of the Good News of Yeshua the Messiah, the Son of God:

It is written in the prophet Yesha‘yahu, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare the way before you.”

“The voice of someone crying out: ‘In the desert prepare the way for Adonai! Make straight paths for him!’”

So it was that Yochanan the Immerser appeared in the desert, proclaiming an immersion involving turning to God from sin in order to be forgiven.

People went out to him from all over Y’hudah, as did all the inhabitants of Yerushalayim. Confessing their sins, they were immersed by him in the Yarden River.

Yochanan wore clothes of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; he ate locusts and wild honey.

He proclaimed: “After me is coming someone who is more powerful than I — I’m not worthy even to bend down and untie his sandals.

I have immersed you in water, but he will immerse you in the Ruach HaKodesh.”

Shortly thereafter, Yeshua came from Natzeret in the Galil and was immersed in the Yarden by Yochanan.

Immediately upon coming up out of the water, he saw heaven torn open and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove;

then a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, whom I love; I am well pleased with you.”

Immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness,

and he was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by the Adversary. He was with the wild animals, and the angels took care of him.

After Yochanan had been arrested, Yeshua came into the Galil proclaiming the Good News from God:

“The time has come, God’s Kingdom is near! Turn to God from your sins and believe the Good News!”

As he walked beside Lake Kinneret, he saw Shim‘on and Andrew, Shim‘on’s brother, casting a net into the lake; for they were fishermen.

Yeshua said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you into fishers for men!”

At once they left their nets and followed him.

Going on a little farther, he saw Ya‘akov Ben-Zavdai and Yochanan, his brother, in their boat, repairing their nets.

Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zavdai in the boat with the hired men and went after Yeshua.

They entered K’far-Nachum, and on Shabbat Yeshua went into the synagogue and began teaching.

They were amazed at the way he taught, for he did not instruct them like the Torah-teachers but as one who had authority himself.

In their synagogue just then was a man with an unclean spirit in him, who shouted,

“What do you want with us, Yeshua from Natzeret? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God!”

But Yeshua rebuked the unclean spirit, “Be quiet and come out of him!”

Throwing the man into a convulsion, it gave a loud shriek and came out of him.

They were all so astounded that they began asking each other, “What is this? A new teaching, one with authority behind it! He gives orders even to the unclean spirits, and they obey him!”

And the news about him spread quickly through the whole region of the Galil.

They left the synagogue and went with Ya‘akov and Yochanan to the home of Shim‘on and Andrew.

Shim‘on’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever, and they told Yeshua about her.

He came, took her by the hand and lifted her onto her feet. The fever left her, and she began helping them.

That evening after sundown, they brought to Yeshua all who were ill or held in the power of demons,

and the whole town came crowding around the door.

He healed many who were ill with various diseases and expelled many demons, but he did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Yeshua got up, left, went away to a lonely spot and stayed there praying.

But Shim‘on and those with him went after him;

and when they found him, they said, “Everybody is looking for you.”

He answered, “Let’s go somewhere else — to the other villages around here. I have to proclaim the message there too — in fact this is why I came out.”

So he traveled all through the Galil, preaching in their synagogues and expelling demons.

A man afflicted with tzara‘at came to Yeshua and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Moved with pity, Yeshua reached out his hand, touched him and said to him, “I am willing! Be cleansed!”

Instantly the tzara‘at left him, and he was cleansed.

Yeshua sent him away with this stern warning:

“See to it that you tell no one; instead, as a testimony to the people, go and let the cohen examine you, and offer for your cleansing what Moshe commanded.”

But he went out and began spreading the news, talking freely about it; so that Yeshua could no longer enter a town openly but stayed out in the country, where people continued coming to him from all around.

This is the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

It began just as God had said in the book written by Isaiah the prophet, “I am sending my messenger to get the way ready for you.

In the desert someone is shouting, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord! Make a straight path for him.’ ”

So John the Baptist showed up in the desert and told everyone, “Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven.”

From all Judea and Jerusalem crowds of people went to John. They told how sorry they were for their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan River.

John wore clothes made of camel's hair. He had a leather strap around his waist and ate grasshoppers and wild honey.

John also told the people, “Someone more powerful is going to come. And I am not good enough even to stoop down and untie his sandals.

I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”

About that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River.

As soon as Jesus came out of the water, he saw the sky open and the Holy Spirit coming down to him like a dove.

A voice from heaven said, “You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you.”

At once God's Spirit made Jesus go into the desert.

He stayed there for 40 days while Satan tested him. Jesus was with the wild animals, but angels took care of him.

After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee and told the good news that comes from God.

He said, “The time has come! God's kingdom will soon be here. Turn back to God and believe the good news!”

As Jesus was walking along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were fishermen and were casting their nets into the lake.

Jesus said to them, “Follow me! I will teach you how to bring in people instead of fish.”

Right then the two brothers dropped their nets and went with him.

Jesus walked on and soon saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in a boat, mending their nets.

At once Jesus asked them to come with him. They left their father in the boat with the hired workers and went with him.

Jesus and his disciples went to the town of Capernaum. Then on the next Sabbath he went into the synagogue and started teaching.

Everyone was amazed at his teaching. He taught with authority, and not like the teachers of the Law of Moses.

Suddenly a man with an evil spirit in him entered the synagogue and yelled,

“Jesus from Nazareth, what do you want with us? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are! You are God's Holy One.”

Jesus told the evil spirit, “Be quiet and come out of the man!”

The spirit shook him. Then it gave a loud shout and left.

Everyone was completely surprised and kept saying to each other, “What is this? It must be some new kind of powerful teaching! Even the evil spirits obey him.”

News about Jesus quickly spread all over Galilee.

As soon as Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went home with Simon and Andrew.

When they got there, Jesus was told that Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever.

Jesus went to her. He took hold of her hand and helped her up. The fever left her, and she served them a meal.

That evening after sunset, all who were sick or had demons in them were brought to Jesus.

In fact, the whole town gathered around the door of the house.

Jesus healed all kinds of terrible diseases and forced out a lot of demons. But the demons knew who he was, and he did not let them speak.

Very early the next morning before daylight, Jesus got up and went to a place where he could be alone and pray.

Simon and the others started looking for him.

And when they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you!”

Jesus replied, “We must go to the nearby towns, so that I can tell the good news to those people. This is why I have come.”

Then Jesus went to their synagogues everywhere in Galilee, where he preached and forced out demons.

A man with leprosy came to Jesus and knelt down. He begged, “You have the power to make me well, if only you wanted to.”

Jesus felt sorry for the man. So he put his hand on him and said, “I want to! Now you are well.”

At once the man's leprosy disappeared, and he was well.

After Jesus strictly warned the man, he sent him on his way.

He said, “Don't tell anyone about this. Just go and show the priest that you are well. Then take a gift to the temple as Moses commanded, and everyone will know that you have been healed.”

The man talked about it so much and told so many people, that Jesus could no longer go openly into a town. He had to stay away from the towns, but people still came to him from everywhere.

Beginning of the glad tidings of Jesus Christ, Son of God;

as it is written in [Isaiah] the prophet, Behold, *I* send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way.

Voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of [the] Lord, make his paths straight.

There came John baptising in the wilderness, and preaching [the] baptism of repentance for remission of sins.

And there went out to him all the district of Judaea, and all they of Jerusalem, and were baptised by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

And John was clothed in camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins, and ate locusts and wild honey.

And he preached, saying, There comes he that is mightier than I after me, the thong of whose sandals I am not fit to stoop down and unloose.

*I* indeed have baptised you with water, but *he* shall baptise you with [the] Holy Spirit.

And it came to pass in those days [that] Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptised by John at the Jordan.

And straightway going up from the water, he saw the heavens parting asunder, and the Spirit, as a dove, descending upon him.

And there came a voice out of the heavens: *Thou* art my beloved Son, in thee I have found my delight.

And immediately the Spirit drives him out 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.

But after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee preaching the glad tidings of the kingdom of God,

and saying, The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has drawn nigh; repent and believe in the glad tidings.

And walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon, and Andrew, [Simon's] brother, casting out a net in the sea, for they were fishers.

And Jesus said to them, Come after me, and I will make you become fishers of men;

and straightway leaving their trawl-nets they followed him.

And going on thence a little, he saw James the [son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, and these [were] in the ship repairing the trawl-nets;

and straightway he called them; and leaving their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, they went away after him.

And they go into Capernaum. And straightway on the sabbath he entered into the synagogue and taught.

And they were astonished at his doctrine, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.

And there was in their synagogue a man [possessed] by an unclean spirit, and he cried out

saying, Eh! what have we to do with thee, Jesus, Nazarene? Art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the holy one of God.

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace and come out of him.

And the unclean spirit, having torn him, and uttered a cry with a loud voice, came out of him.

And all were amazed, so that they questioned together among themselves, saying, What is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.

And his fame went out straightway into the whole region of Galilee around.

And straightway going out of the synagogue, they came with James and John into the house of Simon and Andrew.

And the mother-in-law of Simon lay in a fever. And straightway they speak to him about her.

And he went up to [her] and raised her up, having taken her by the hand, and straightway the fever left her, and she served them.

But evening being come, when the sun had gone down, they brought to him all that were suffering, and those possessed by demons;

and the whole city was gathered together at the door.

And he healed many suffering from various diseases; and he cast out many demons, and did not suffer the demons to speak because they knew him.

And rising in the morning long before day, he went out and went away into a desert place, and there prayed.

And Simon and those with him went after him:

and having found him, they say to him, All seek thee.

And he says to them, Let us go elsewhere into the neighbouring country towns, that I may preach there also, for for this purpose am I come forth.

And he was preaching in their synagogues in the whole of Galilee, and casting out demons.

And there comes to him a leper, beseeching him, and falling on his knees to him, and saying to him, If thou wilt thou canst cleanse me.

But Jesus, moved with compassion, having stretched out his hand, touched him, and says to him, I will, be thou cleansed.

And as he spoke straightway the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.

And having sharply charged him, he straightway sent him away,

and says to him, See thou say nothing to any one, but go, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing what Moses ordained, for a testimony to them.

But he, having gone forth, began to proclaim [it] much, and to spread the matter abroad, so that he could no longer enter openly into the city, but was without in desert places, and they came to him from every side.

The beginning of the good-news of  Jesus Christ, God’s Son

Just as it has been written in Isaiah the prophet— “Behold, I am sending-forth My messenger ahead of Your presence, who will make Your way ready:

A voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; be making His paths straight’”—

John came, the one baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

And the whole Judean country was going out to him, and all the people-of-Jerusalem. And they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River while confessing-out their sins.

And John was dressed-in camel’s hair and a belt made-of-leather around his waist, and was eating locusts and wild honey.

And he was proclaiming, saying “The One more powerful than me is coming after me— of Whom I am not fit, having stooped, to untie the strap of His sandals.

I baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit”.

And it came about during those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.

And immediately while ascending out-of the water, He saw the heavens being divided and the Spirit like a dove descending to Him.

And a voice came from the heavens— “You are My beloved Son. With You I was well-pleased”.

And immediately the Spirit sends Him out into the wilderness.

And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan. And He was with the wild-beasts. And the angels were ministering to Him.

Now after John was handed-over [to prison], Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good-news of God

and saying that “The time has been fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has drawn-near. Repent, and put-faith in the good-news”.

And while passing-by beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew (the brother of Simon), casting-a-net in the sea. For they were fishermen.

And Jesus said to them, “Come after Me, and I will make you become fishermen of people”.

And immediately, having left the nets, they followed Him.

And having gone on a little, He saw James (the son of Zebedee) and John (his brother)— they also in their boat, preparing the nets.

And immediately He called them. And having left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired ones, they went after Him.

And they proceed into Capernaum. And immediately, having entered into the synagogue on the Sabbath, He was teaching.

And they were astounded at His teaching, for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

And immediately there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried-out,

saying “What do we have to do with You, Jesus from-Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know You, Who You are— the Holy One of God!”

And Jesus rebuked him, saying “Be silenced and come out of him”.

And the unclean spirit, having convulsed him and called-out with a loud voice, came out of him.

And they were all astonished, so that they were discussing with themselves, saying “What is this? A new teaching based-on authority! He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey Him!”

And the report about Him immediately went out everywhere into the whole surrounding-region of Galilee.

And immediately, having gone out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

Now the mother-in-law of Simon was lying-down, being sick-with-fever. And immediately they speak to Him concerning her.

And having gone to her, He raised her, having taken-hold-of her hand. And the fever left her and she was serving them.

And having become evening, when the sun set, they were bringing to Him all the ones being ill and the ones being demon-possessed.

And the whole city was gathered-together at the door.

And He cured many being ill with various diseases. And He cast-out many demons, and was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew Him.

And having arisen early-in-the-morning, very late at-night, He went out and went away to a desolate place, and was praying there.

And Simon and the ones with him hunted-for Him,

and found Him. And they say to Him that “Everyone is seeking You”.

And He says to them, “Let us be going elsewhere, into the next towns, in order that I may proclaim there also. For I came-forth for this purpose”.

And He went proclaiming in their synagogues in all Galilee and casting out the demons.

And a leper comes to Him, appealing-to Him and kneeling, and saying to Him that “If You are willing, You are able to cleanse me”.

And having felt-deep-feelings [of compassion], having stretched-out His hand, He touched him. And He says to him, “I am willing. Be cleansed”.

And immediately the leprosy departed from him and he was cleansed.

And having sternly-commanded him, He immediately sent him out.

And He says to him, “See that you tell no one anything. But go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them”.

But the one, having gone forth, began to proclaim greatly and widely-spread the word, so that He was no longer able to enter openly into a city, but was outside at desolate places. And they were coming to Him from-all-directions.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee.

A voice of one crying in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.

John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins.

And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all they of Jerusalem, and were baptized by him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

And John was clothed with camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey.

And he preached, saying: There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.

I have baptized you with water; but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

And it came to pass, in those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

And forthwith coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit as a dove descending, and remaining on him.

And there came a voice from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

And immediately the Spirit drove him out into the desert.

And he was in the desert forty days and forty nights, and was tempted by Satan; and he was with beasts, and the angels ministered to him.

And after that John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

And saying: The time is accomplished, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe the gospel.

And passing by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother, casting nets into the sea (for they were fishermen).

And Jesus said to them: Come after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

And immediately leaving their nets, they followed him.

And going on from thence a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were mending their nets in the ship:

And forthwith he called them. And leaving their father Zebedee in the ship with his hired men, they followed him.

And they entered into Capharnaum, and forthwith upon the sabbath days going into the synagogue, he taught them.

And they were astonished at his doctrine. For he was teaching them as one having power, and not as the scribes.

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

Saying: What have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know who thou art, the Holy One of God.

And Jesus threatened him, saying: Speak no more, and go out of the man.

And the unclean spirit tearing him, and crying out with a loud voice, went out of him.

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying: What thing is this? what is this new doctrine? for with power he commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.

And the fame of him was spread forthwith into all the country of Galilee.

And immediately going out of the synagogue they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

And Simon's wife's mother lay in a fit of a fever: and forthwith they tell him of her.

And coming to her, he lifted her up, taking her by the hand; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

And when it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all that were ill and that were possessed with devils.

And all the city was gathered together at the door.

And he healed many that were troubled with divers diseases; and he cast out many devils, and he suffered them not to speak, because they knew him.

And rising very early, going out, he went into a desert place: and there he prayed.

And Simon, and they that were with him, followed after him.

And when they had found him, they said to him: All seek for thee.

And he saith to them: Let us go into the neighbouring towns and cities, that I may preach there also; for to this purpose am I come.

And he was preaching in their synagogues, and in all Galilee, and casting out devils.

And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down said to him: If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And Jesus having compassion on him, stretched forth his hand; and touching him, saith to him: I will. Be thou made clean.

And when he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was made clean.

And he strictly charged him, and forthwith sent him away.

And he saith to him: See thou tell no one; but go, shew thyself to the high priest, and offer for thy cleansing the things that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.

But he being gone out, began to publish and to blaze abroad the word: so that he could not openly go into the city, but was without in desert places: and they flocked to him from all sides.

The Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, begins

with what the prophet Isaiah said would happen. He wrote: “Listen! I will send my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare the way for you.”

“There is someone shouting in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord. Make the road straight for him.’”

So John the Baptizer came and was baptizing people in the desert area. He told them to be baptized to show that they wanted to change their lives, and then their sins would be forgiven.

All the people from Judea, including everyone from Jerusalem, came out to John. They confessed the bad things they had done, and he baptized them in the Jordan River.

John wore clothes made from camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.

This is what John told the people: “There is someone coming later who is able to do more than I can. I am not good enough to be the slave who stoops down to untie his sandals.

I baptize you with water, but the one who is coming will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

About that time Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the place where John was. John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.

As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw the sky torn open. The Spirit came down on him like a dove.

A voice came from heaven and said, “You are my Son, the one I love. I am very pleased with you.”

Then the Spirit sent Jesus into the desert alone.

He was there for 40 days, being tempted by Satan. During this time he was out among the wild animals. Then angels came and helped him.

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee and told people the Good News from God.

He said, “The right time is now here. God’s kingdom is very near. Change your hearts and lives, and believe the Good News!”

Jesus was walking by Lake Galilee. He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. These two men were fishermen, and they were throwing a net into the lake to catch fish.

Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you a different kind of fishermen. You will bring in people, not fish.”

So they immediately left their nets and followed Jesus.

Jesus continued walking by Lake Galilee. He saw two more brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat, preparing their nets to catch fish.

Their father Zebedee and the men who worked for him were in the boat with the brothers. When Jesus saw the brothers, he told them to come. They left their father and followed Jesus.

Jesus and his followers went to Capernaum. On the Sabbath day, Jesus went into the synagogue and taught the people.

They were amazed at his teaching. He did not teach like their teachers of the law. He taught like someone with authority.

While Jesus was in the synagogue, a man was there who had an evil spirit inside him. The man shouted,

“Jesus of Nazareth! What do you want with us? Did you come to destroy us? I know who you are—God’s Holy One!”

Jesus, his voice full of warning, said, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”

The evil spirit made the man shake. Then the spirit made a loud noise and came out of him.

The people were amazed. They asked each other, “What is happening here? This man is teaching something new, and he teaches with authority! He even commands evil spirits, and they obey him.”

So the news about Jesus spread quickly everywhere in the area of Galilee.

Jesus and the followers left the synagogue. They all went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.

Simon’s mother-in-law was very sick. She was in bed and had a fever. The people there told Jesus about her.

So he went to her bed. Jesus held her hand and helped her stand up. The fever left her, and she was healed. Then she began serving them.

That night, after the sun went down, the people brought to Jesus many who were sick. They also brought those who had demons inside them.

Everyone in the town gathered at the door of that house.

Jesus healed many of those who had different kinds of sicknesses. He also forced many demons out of people. But he would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was.

The next morning Jesus woke up very early. He left the house while it was still dark and went to a place where he could be alone and pray.

Later, Simon and his friends went to look for Jesus.

They found him and said, “Everyone is looking for you!”

Jesus answered, “We should go to another place. We can go to other towns around here, and I can tell God’s message to those people too. That is why I came.”

So Jesus traveled everywhere in Galilee. He spoke in the synagogues, and he forced demons out of people.

A man who had leprosy came to Jesus. The man bowed on his knees and begged him, “You have the power to heal me if you want.”

These last words made Jesus angry. But he touched him and said, “I want to heal you. Be healed!”

Immediately the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.

Jesus told the man to go, but he gave him a strong warning:

“Don’t tell anyone about what I did for you. But go and let the priest look at you. And offer a gift to God because you have been healed. Offer the gift that Moses commanded. This will show everyone that you are healed.”

The man left there and told everyone he saw that Jesus had healed him. So the news about Jesus spread. And that is why he could not enter a town if people saw him. He stayed in places where people did not live. But people came from all the towns to the places where he was.

This is the start of the good news about Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God.

The prophet Isaiah wrote this message from God in his book: ‘Listen! I will send someone to prepare a way for you. He will tell people my message.

His voice will shout in the wilderness: “The Lord will come soon, so prepare a way for him. Make the paths straight for him.” ’

So John went to a place in the wilderness. He baptized people and he spoke a message from God. He said to people, ‘You have done many wrong things. You must turn away from them and change how you live. Then God will forgive you and I will baptize you.’

Many people who lived in Jerusalem and in the country of Judea went to listen to John. The people told God about all the wrong things that they had done. Then John baptized them in the Jordan River.

John wore clothes made from the hair of a camel. He also wore a belt made from leather. His usual food was locusts and honey from the wilderness.

John said to the people, ‘Another person will come soon. He is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to undo his shoes for him.

I have baptized you with water. But this man will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’

Soon after this, Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in Galilee. John baptized him in the Jordan River.

While Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw the skies open. The Holy Spirit came down like a dove and he stayed on Jesus.

A voice spoke from heaven: ‘You are my Son and I love you. You make me very happy.’

Immediately, the Holy Spirit sent Jesus out into the wilderness.

Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days. During this time, Satan tried to cause him to do wrong things. There were wild animals with Jesus in the wilderness. God's angels took care of him.

Later, John was in prison. At that time, Jesus went to Galilee. He told people the good news about God.

Jesus said, ‘Now is the time when the kingdom of God has come very near. You have done many wrong things. Turn away from them and change the way that you live. Believe God's good news.’

One day, Jesus was walking along the shore of Lake Galilee. He saw two brothers called Simon and Andrew. Their job was to catch fish. They were throwing their nets into the lake to catch fish.

Jesus said to them, ‘Come with me and be my disciples. Then I will teach you how to catch people, instead of fish.’

Simon and Andrew immediately put down their nets and they went with Jesus.

Jesus continued to walk along the shore. Soon he saw two more men who were brothers. They were called James and John. They were the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat and they were mending their nets.

Immediately, Jesus asked them to come with him. They left their father and his workers in the boat, and they went with Jesus to be his disciples.

Then Jesus and those disciples went into a town called Capernaum. On the next Jewish day of rest, Jesus went into the Jews' meeting place. He began to teach the people there.

The people were very surprised at the things that Jesus taught them. When he taught them, he showed his authority. That was not like the way that the teachers of God's Law taught people.

In the meeting place, there was a man who had a bad spirit. The bad spirit caused the man to shout.

He said, ‘Jesus from Nazareth, leave us alone! Do not kill us! I know who you are. You are the Holy One and God has sent you.’

Jesus said to the bad spirit, ‘Be quiet! Come out of the man!’

The bad spirit caused the man to shake and to fall down. It shouted loudly and then it came out of the man.

All the people were very surprised and they said to each other, ‘This is very strange. This man Jesus is teaching us something new and he speaks with authority. He can tell bad spirits what they must do. Then they do it.’

Immediately, people began to hear the news about Jesus. Everywhere in Galilee, people were talking about him.

Then Jesus left the meeting place. He took James and John with him to the home of Simon and Andrew.

The mother of Simon's wife was ill in bed. Her body was very hot. Immediately, Simon and Andrew told Jesus about her.

So Jesus went to her and he held her hand. Then he helped her to sit up and she was well again. Immediately she prepared food for her visitors.

That evening, when the sun had gone down, people in the town came to Jesus. They brought to him everyone who was ill. And they brought people with bad spirits in them. All these people were standing together near the door of the house.

Jesus caused many sick people to become well. They had many different kinds of illness. He also caused many bad spirits to leave people. The spirits knew who he was. So Jesus did not let them speak.

Jesus got up very early the next morning, while it was still dark. He went to a place where he could be alone. He prayed there.

Simon and the other disciples went to look for him.

When they found him, they said, ‘Everyone is looking for you.’

Jesus replied, ‘We should go to other towns near here. Then I can teach the people there too. That is the reason why I came here.’

So Jesus travelled everywhere in Galilee. He taught the people in the Jewish meeting places. He caused bad spirits to come out of people.

One day, a man who had a disease of the skin came to Jesus. He went down on his knees in front of Jesus. The man said. ‘If you want, you can make me well. Please do it.’

Jesus felt very sorry for the man. He put out his hand towards the man and he touched him. ‘I do want to help you,’ Jesus said, ‘Be clean again!’

Immediately, the disease left the man.

Jesus sent the man away immediately and he spoke to the man with strong words.

He said, ‘Listen to me. Do not tell anyone about this. Instead, go and show yourself to the priest. Take him a gift for God. Moses' law tells you what you should give when you are clean again after this kind of disease. This will show everyone that you are now well again.’

But instead, the man went away and he talked to everybody. He told them what had happened to him. Because he did this, it became too difficult for Jesus to go into the towns. Everybody knew him. So Jesus stayed in places in the wilderness. People came from all the places around there to see him.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

This is how it is written in the prophet Isaiah: Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare the way for you.

A voice of one calling out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight.”

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.

John was clothed in camel’s hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.

He preached, “One more powerful than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals!

I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Just as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love. I am well pleased with you.”

The Spirit immediately sent Jesus out into the wilderness.

He was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels were serving him.

After John was put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.

“The time is fulfilled,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near! Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

As Jesus was going along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen.

Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat mending the nets.

Immediately Jesus called them. They left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

Then they went into Capernaum. On the next Sabbath day, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

They were amazed at his teaching, because he was teaching them as one who has authority and not as the experts in the law.

Just then there was a man with an unclean spirit in their synagogue. It cried out,

“What do we have to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

Jesus rebuked the spirit, saying, “Be quiet! Come out of him!”

The unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions, and after crying out with a loud voice, it came out of him.

Everyone was so amazed that they began to discuss this with each other. They said, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He even commands the unclean spirits, and they obey him!”

News about him spread quickly through all the region of Galilee.

They left the synagogue and went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.

Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed, sick with a fever. Without delay they told Jesus about her.

He went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them.

That evening, when the sun had set, the people kept bringing to him all who were sick and demon-possessed.

The whole town gathered at the door.

He healed many people who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. But he did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was.

Jesus got up early in the morning, while it was still dark, and went out. He withdrew to a solitary place and was praying there.

Simon and his companions searched for him,

and, when they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is looking for you!”

He told them, “Let’s go somewhere else, to the neighboring villages, so that I can preach there too. In fact, that is why I have come.”

Then he went throughout the whole region of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

A leper came to Jesus. He knelt down and begged him, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him. “I am willing,” he told him. “Be clean.”

Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was healed.

Then Jesus gave him a stern warning and immediately sent him away.

He told him, “See that you do not say anything to anyone. Instead go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the sacrifices for your cleansing that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

But after the man left, he began to proclaim it widely. He spread the word so much that Jesus was no longer able to enter a town openly but stayed outside in deserted places. Yet people kept coming to him from all directions.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way,

the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.

And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.

And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God,

and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you 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 were in their boat mending the nets.

And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching.

And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.

And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out,

“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”

But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”

And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.

And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her.

And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons.

And the whole city was gathered together at the door.

And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

And Simon and those who were with him searched for him,

and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.”

And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.”

And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.”

Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.”

And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once,

and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way,

the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt round his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.

And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.

And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God,

and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you 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 were in their boat mending the nets.

And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching.

And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.

And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out,

“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”

But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”

And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.

And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her.

And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

That evening at sunset they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons.

And the whole city was gathered together at the door.

And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

And Simon and those who were with him searched for him,

and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.”

And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is what I came for.”

And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.”

Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.”

And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once,

and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.

This is the beginning of the ·Good News [Gospel] ·about [of] Jesus Christ, the Son of God,

as the prophet Isaiah wrote: “[Look; ^TBehold,] I ·will send [am sending] my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way [Mal. 3:1].”

“This is a voice of one who ·calls out [shouts; cries out] in the ·desert [wilderness]: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord. Make ·the road straight [a clear path] for him [Is. 40:3].’”

John [^Cthe Baptist] was baptizing people in the ·desert [wilderness] and preaching a baptism of ·changed hearts and lives [turning from sin; repentance] for the ·forgiveness [remission] of sins.

All the people from Judea and Jerusalem were going out to him. They confessed their sins and were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

John wore clothes made from camel’s hair, had a leather belt around his waist [^Creminiscent of the prophet Elijah; 2 Kin. 1:8], and ate locusts and wild honey [^Csignifies living off the land].

This is what John preached to the people: “There is one coming after me who is ·greater [mightier; more powerful] than I; I am not ·good enough [fit; qualified] even to kneel down and untie [^Lthe thong/strap of] his sandals [^Ca task of a servant or slave].

I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

·At that time [In those days] Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River.

Immediately, as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw ·heaven [the sky] ·open [split open]. The ·Holy Spirit [^LSpirit] ·came down [descended] on him like a dove [^Ceither in the form of a dove, or in bird-like descent],

and a voice came from heaven: “You are my ·Son, whom I love [dearly beloved Son; Ps. 2:7; Gen. 22:2], ·and I am very pleased with you [in whom I take great delight; Is. 42:1].”

·Then [Immediately] the Spirit ·sent [drove; compelled] Jesus into the ·desert [wilderness].

He was in the ·desert [wilderness] forty days [^Canalogous to Israel’s forty years] and was ·tempted [or tested] by Satan [^Cas both Adam and Eve and the nation Israel in the wilderness were tempted, but failed]. He was with the wild animals [^Cdangerous or perhaps Eden-like conditions], and the angels came and ·took care of [served; ministered to] him.

After John was put in prison [^Cby Herod Antipas; cf. 6:14–29], Jesus went into Galilee, preaching the ·Good News [Gospel] ·from [about] God.

He said, “The ·right time has come [^Ltime is fulfilled]. ·The kingdom of God [God’s sovereign rule] is ·near [at hand]. ·Change your hearts and lives [Turn from your sins; Repent] and believe the ·Good News [Gospel]!”

When Jesus was walking by ·Lake Galilee [^Tthe Sea of Galilee], he saw Simon [^CPeter; cf. 3:16] and his brother Andrew ·throwing [casting] a net into the lake because they were fishermen.

Jesus said to them, “Come ·follow me [be my disciples], and I will ·make you [teach you how to] fish for people.”

So Simon and Andrew immediately left their nets and followed him.

Going a little farther, Jesus saw two more brothers, ·James and John, the sons of Zebedee [^LJames the son of Zebedee, and his brother John]. They were in a boat, ·mending [preparing] their nets.

Jesus immediately called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired workers and followed Jesus.

Jesus and his ·followers [disciples] went to Capernaum [^Ca town on the northwest shore of Lake Galilee; it became Jesus’ home base]. On the Sabbath day he went to the synagogue and began to teach.

The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught ·like [as] a person who had authority, not ·like [as] ·their teachers of the law [the scribes; ^Cexperts in the law of Moses].

Just then, a man was there in the synagogue who had an ·evil [defiling; ^Lunclean] spirit in him. [^CDemons were viewed as “unclean” or defiling spirit-beings.] He shouted,

“Jesus ·of Nazareth [the Nazarene]! ·What do you want with us? [Let us alone!; What business do we have with each other? ^LWhat to us and to you?] Did you come to destroy us? I know who you are—God’s Holy One!”

Jesus ·commanded [reprimanded; rebuked] the evil spirit, “Be quiet! Come out of the man!”

The ·evil [defiling; ^Lunclean] spirit ·shook the man violently [threw him into convulsions], gave a ·loud cry [shriek], and then came out of him.

The people were [^Lall] so amazed they asked each other, “What is happening here? This man is teaching something new, and with authority. He even gives ·commands [orders] to ·evil [defiling; ^Lunclean; v. 23] spirits, and they obey him.”

And the ·news [report; fame] about Jesus spread quickly everywhere in the area of Galilee.

As soon as Jesus and his ·followers [disciples] left the synagogue, they went to the home of Simon [^CPeter; 3:16] and Andrew, together with James and John.

Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, and ·the people [^Lthey; ^Ceither the people or the disciples] told Jesus about her.

So Jesus went to her bed, took her hand, and ·helped [raised] her up. The fever left her, and she began ·serving them [waiting on them; ^Cpresumably meal preparation].

That evening, after the sun went down, the people brought to Jesus all who were sick and ·had demons in them [were demon-possessed].

The whole town gathered at the door.

Jesus healed many who had different kinds of sicknesses, and he ·forced many demons to leave people [^Ldrove/cast out many demons]. But he would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was. [^CThey knew he was the Messiah; Jesus wanted to avoid premature publicity.]

[Very] Early the next morning, while it was still dark, Jesus ·woke [got up] and left the house. He went to a ·lonely [isolated; deserted] place, where he prayed.

Simon and his ·friends [companions] went to look for Jesus.

When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you!”

Jesus answered, “·We should [Let us] go to other towns around here so I can preach there too. That is the reason I came.”

So he went everywhere in Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and ·forcing [driving; casting] out demons.

A man with ·a skin disease [^Tleprosy; ^Cthe term does not refer to modern leprosy (Hansen’s disease), but to various skin disorders; Lev. 14] came to Jesus. He fell to his knees and begged Jesus, “You can ·heal me [^Lmake me clean; ^Cleprosy rendered a person ceremonially defiled (“unclean”), and so unable to participate in Israel’s religious life] if you ·will [are willing; want to].”

Jesus felt ·sorry [compassion] for the man, so he reached out his hand and touched him and said, “I ·will [am willing; want to]. Be ·healed [^Lcleansed]!”

Immediately the ·disease [^Tleprosy] left the man, and he was ·healed [^Lcleansed].

Jesus told the man to go away at once, but he warned him strongly,

“Don’t tell anyone about this. But go and show yourself to the priest. And offer the ·gift [offering; sacrifices] Moses commanded for ·people who are made well [^Lyour cleansing; Lev. 14:1–32]. This will ·show the people [be a public testimony to; be evidence for] what I have done.”

The man left there, but he began to tell everyone that Jesus had healed him, and so he spread ·the news about Jesus [^Lthe message/word]. As a result, Jesus could not enter a town ·if people saw him [publicly]. He stayed in ·places where nobody lived [secluded/deserted places], but people ·came [kept coming] to him from everywhere.

4 John baptizeth. 6 His apparel and meat. 9 Jesus is baptized. 12 He is tempted. 14 He preacheth the Gospel, 21 and 29 he teacheth in the Synagogues. 23 He healeth one that had a devil. 29 Peter’s mother-in-law. 32 Many diseased persons. 40 The leper. The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God:

As it is written in the Prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, is, Prepare the way of the Lord: make his paths straight.

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of amendment of life, for remission of sins.

And all the country of Judea, and they of Jerusalem went out unto him, and were all baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins: and he did eat locusts and wild honey,

And preached, saying, A stronger than I cometh after me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to stoop down, and unloose.

Truth it is, I have baptized you with water: but he will baptize you with the holy Ghost.

¶ And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth, a city of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

And as soon as he was come out of the water, John saw the heavens cloven in twain, and the holy Ghost descending upon him like a dove.

Then there was a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

And he was there in the wilderness forty days, and was tempted of Satan: he was also with the wild beasts, and the Angels ministered unto him.

¶ Now after that John was committed to prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the kingdom of God,

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe the Gospel.

¶ And as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishers.)

Then Jesus said unto them, Follow me, and I will make you to be fishers of men.

And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, as they were in the ship, mending their nets.

And anon he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with his hired servants, and went their way after him.

¶ So they entered into Capernaum: and straightway on the Sabbath day he entered into the Synagogue, and taught.

And they were astonied at his doctrine, for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the Scribes.

¶ And there was in their Synagogue a man in whom was an unclean spirit, and he cried out,

Saying, Ah, what have we to do with thee, O Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know thee what thou art, even thou holy one of God.

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

And the unclean spirit tare him, and cried with a loud voice, and came out of him.

And they were all amazed, so that they demanded one of another, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for he commandeth even the foul spirits with authority, and they obey him.

And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region bordering on Galilee.

¶ And as soon as they were come out of the Synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

And Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they told him of her.

And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up, and the fever forsook her by and by, and she ministered unto them.

And when even was come, at what time the Sun setteth, they brought to him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

And the whole city was gathered together at the door.

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases: and he cast out many devils, and suffered not the devils to say that they knew him.

And in the morning very early before day, Jesus arose and went out into a solitary place, and there prayed.

And Simon, and they that were with him, followed carefully after him.

And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.

Then he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for I came out for that purpose.

And he preached in their Synagogues, throughout all Galilee, and cast the devils out.

¶ And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeled down unto him, and said to him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And Jesus had compassion, and put forth his hand, and touched him, and said to him, I will: be thou clean.

And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was made clean.

And after he had given him a straight commandment, he sent him away forthwith,

And said unto him, See thou say nothing to any man, but get thee hence, and show thyself to the Priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimonial unto them.

But when he was departed, he began to tell many things, and to publish the matter: so that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

This is the beginning of the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “I am sending my messenger ahead of you to prepare the way for you.”

“A voice cries out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord! Make his paths straight!’ ”

John the Baptizer was in the desert telling people about a baptism of repentance  for the forgiveness of sins.

All Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went to him. As they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

John was dressed in clothes made from camel’s hair. He wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.

He announced, “The one who comes after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to bend down and untie his sandal straps.

I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River.

As Jesus came out of the water, he saw heaven split open and the Spirit coming down to him as a dove.

A voice from heaven said, “You are my Son, whom I love. I am pleased with you.”

At once the Spirit brought him into the desert,

where he was tempted by Satan for 40 days. He was there with the wild animals, and the angels took care of him.

After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and told people the Good News of God.

He said, “The time has come, and God’s kingdom is near. Change the way you think and act, and believe the Good News.”

As he was going along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were throwing a net into the sea because they were fishermen.

Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me! I will teach you how to catch people instead of fish.”

They immediately left their nets and followed him.

As Jesus went on a little farther, he saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in a boat preparing their nets ⌞to go fishing⌟.

He immediately called them, and they left their father Zebedee and the hired men in the boat and followed Jesus.

Then they went to Capernaum. On the next day of rest—a holy day, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

The people were amazed at his teachings. Unlike their experts in Moses’ Teachings, he taught them with authority.

At that time there was a man in the synagogue who was controlled by an evil spirit. He shouted,

“What do you want with us, Jesus from Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

Jesus ordered the spirit, “Keep quiet, and come out of him!”

The evil spirit threw the man into convulsions and came out of him with a loud shriek.

Everyone was stunned. They said to each other, “What is this? This is a new teaching that has authority behind it! He gives orders to evil spirits, and they obey him.”

The news about him spread quickly throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

After they left the synagogue, they went directly to the house of Simon and Andrew. James and John went with them.

Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever. The first thing they did was to tell Jesus about her.

Jesus went to her, took her hand, and helped her get up. The fever went away, and she prepared a meal for them.

In the evening, when the sun had set, people brought to him everyone who was sick and those possessed by demons.

The whole city had gathered at his door.

He cured many who were sick with various diseases and forced many demons out of people. However, he would not allow the demons to speak. After all, they knew who he was.

In the morning, long before sunrise, Jesus went to a place where he could be alone to pray.

Simon and his friends searched for him.

When they found him, they told him, “Everyone is looking for you.”

Jesus said to them, “Let’s go somewhere else, to the small towns that are nearby. I have to spread ⌞the Good News⌟ in them also. This is why I have come.”

So he went to spread ⌞the Good News⌟ in the synagogues all over Galilee, and he forced demons out of people.

Then a man with a serious skin disease came to him. The man fell to his knees and begged Jesus, “If you’re willing, you can make me clean.” 

Jesus felt sorry for him, reached out, touched him, and said, “I’m willing. So be clean!”

Immediately, his skin disease went away, and he was clean.

Jesus sent him away at once and warned him,

“Don’t tell anyone about this! Instead, show yourself to the priest. Then offer the sacrifices which Moses commanded as proof to people that you are clean.”

When the man left, he began to talk freely. He spread his story so widely that Jesus could no longer enter any city openly. Instead, he stayed in places where he could be alone. But people still kept coming to him from everywhere.

This is the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

It began as the prophet Isaiah had written: “God said, ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.’

Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’”

So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. “Turn away from your sins and be baptized,” he told the people, “and God will forgive your sins.”

Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan River.

John wore clothes made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

He announced to the people, “The man who will come after me is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to bend down and untie his sandals.

I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Not long afterward Jesus came from Nazareth in the province of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw heaven opening and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove.

And a voice came from heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.”

At once the Spirit made him go into the desert,

where he stayed forty days, being tempted by Satan. Wild animals were there also, but angels came and helped him.

After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God.

“The right time has come,” he said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!”

As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, catching fish with a net.

Jesus said to them, “Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people.”

At once they left their nets and went with him.

He went a little farther on and saw two other brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat getting their nets ready.

As soon as Jesus saw them, he called them; they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went with Jesus.

Jesus and his disciples came to the town of Capernaum, and on the next Sabbath Jesus went to the synagogue and began to teach.

The people who heard him were amazed at the way he taught, for he wasn't like the teachers of the Law; instead, he taught with authority.

Just then a man with an evil spirit came into the synagogue and screamed,

“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Are you here to destroy us? I know who you are—you are God's holy messenger!”

Jesus ordered the spirit, “Be quiet, and come out of the man!”

The evil spirit shook the man hard, gave a loud scream, and came out of him.

The people were all so amazed that they started saying to one another, “What is this? Is it some kind of new teaching? This man has authority to give orders to the evil spirits, and they obey him!”

And so the news about Jesus spread quickly everywhere in the province of Galilee.

Jesus and his disciples, including James and John, left the synagogue and went straight to the home of Simon and Andrew.

Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, and as soon as Jesus arrived, he was told about her.

He went to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to wait on them.

After the sun had set and evening had come, people brought to Jesus all the sick and those who had demons.

All the people of the town gathered in front of the house.

Jesus healed many who were sick with all kinds of diseases and drove out many demons. He would not let the demons say anything, because they knew who he was.

Very early the next morning, long before daylight, Jesus got up and left the house. He went out of town to a lonely place, where he prayed.

But Simon and his companions went out searching for him,

and when they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

But Jesus answered, “We must go on to the other villages around here. I have to preach in them also, because that is why I came.”

So he traveled all over Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and driving out demons.

A man suffering from a dreaded skin disease came to Jesus, knelt down, and begged him for help. “If you want to,” he said, “you can make me clean.”

Jesus was filled with pity, and reached out and touched him. “I do want to,” he answered. “Be clean!”

At once the disease left the man, and he was clean.

Then Jesus spoke sternly to him and sent him away at once,

after saying to him, “Listen, don't tell anyone about this. But go straight to the priest and let him examine you; then in order to prove to everyone that you are cured, offer the sacrifice that Moses ordered.”

But the man went away and began to spread the news everywhere. Indeed, he talked so much that Jesus could not go into a town publicly. Instead, he stayed out in lonely places, and people came to him from everywhere.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.

A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight!

John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were flocking to him, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.

John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.

He was preaching: “Someone more powerful than I will come after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of His sandals.

I have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.

As soon as He came up out of the water, He saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending to Him like a dove.

And a voice came from heaven: You are My beloved Son; I take delight in You!

Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.

He was in the wilderness 40 days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels began to serve Him.

After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the good news of God:

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!”

As He was passing along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen.

“Follow Me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people!”

Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in their boat mending their nets.

Immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.

Then they went into Capernaum, and right away He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach.

They were astonished at His teaching because, unlike the scribes, He was teaching them as one having authority.

Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out,

“What do You have to do with us, Jesus—Nazarene? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

But Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”

And the unclean spirit convulsed him, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him.

Then they were all amazed, so they began to argue with one another, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”

News about Him then spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee.

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went into Simon and Andrew’s house with James and John.

Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and they told Him about her at once.

So He went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them.

When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all those who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.

The whole town was assembled at the door,

and He healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. But He would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew Him.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there.

Simon and his companions went searching for Him.

They found Him and said, “Everyone’s looking for You!”

And He said to them, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.”

So He went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Then a man with a serious skin disease came to Him and, on his knees, begged Him: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him. “I am willing,” He told him. “Be made clean.”

Immediately the disease left him, and he was healed.

Then He sternly warned him and sent him away at once,

telling him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

Yet he went out and began to proclaim it widely and to spread the news, with the result that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly. But He was out in deserted places, and they would come to Him from everywhere.

This is the beginning of the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God,

as the prophet Isaiah wrote: “I will send my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare your way.” Malachi 3:1

“There is a voice of a man who calls out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord. Make the road straight for him.’” Isaiah 40:3

John was baptizing people in the desert. He preached a baptism of changed hearts and lives for the forgiveness of sins.

All the people from Judea and Jerusalem were going out to John. They told about the sins they had done. Then they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

John wore clothes made from camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.

This is what John preached to the people: “There is one coming later who is greater than I. I am not good enough even to kneel down and untie his sandals.

I baptize you with water. But the one who is coming will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

At that time Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the place where John was. John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.

When Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven open. The Holy Spirit came down on him like a dove.

A voice came from heaven and said: “You are my Son and I love you. I am very pleased with you.”

Then the Spirit sent Jesus into the desert alone.

He was in the desert 40 days and was there with the wild animals. While he was in the desert, he was tempted by Satan. Then angels came and took care of Jesus.

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee and preached the Good News from God.

Jesus said, “The right time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Change your hearts and lives and believe the Good News!”

When Jesus was walking by Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and Simon’s brother, Andrew. They were fishermen and were throwing a net into the lake to catch fish.

Jesus said to them, “Come and follow me. I will make you fishermen for men.”

So Simon and Andrew immediately left their nets and followed him.

Jesus continued walking by Lake Galilee. He saw two more brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat, preparing their nets to catch fish.

Their father Zebedee and the men who worked for him were in the boat with the brothers. When Jesus saw the brothers, he called them to come with him. They left their father and followed Jesus.

Jesus and his followers went to Capernaum. On the Sabbath day Jesus went to the synagogue and began to teach.

The people there were amazed at his teaching. He did not teach like their teachers of the law. He taught like a person who had authority.

While he was in the synagogue, a man was there who had an evil spirit in him. The man shouted,

“Jesus of Nazareth! What do you want with us? Did you come to destroy us? I know who you are—God’s Holy One!”

Jesus said strongly, “Be quiet! Come out of the man!”

The evil spirit made the man shake violently. Then the spirit gave a loud cry and came out of him.

The people were amazed. They asked each other, “What is happening here? This man is teaching something new. And he teaches with authority. He even gives commands to evil spirits, and they obey him.”

And the news about Jesus spread quickly everywhere in the area of Galilee.

Jesus and his followers left the synagogue. They all went at once with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.

Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever. The people there told Jesus about her.

So Jesus went to her bed, took her hand, and helped her up. Immediately the fever left her, and she was healed. Then she began serving them.

That night, after the sun went down, the people brought to Jesus all who were sick. They also brought those who had demons in them.

The whole town gathered at the door of the house.

Jesus healed many who had different kinds of sicknesses. He also forced many demons to leave people. But he would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was.

Early the next morning, Jesus woke and left the house while it was still dark. He went to a place to be alone and pray.

Later, Simon and his friends went to look for Jesus.

They found him and said, “Everyone is looking for you!”

Jesus answered, “We should go somewhere else, to other towns around here. Then I can preach there too. That is the reason I came.”

So he traveled everywhere in Galilee. He preached in the synagogues and forced demons to leave people.

A man who had a harmful skin disease came to Jesus. The man fell to his knees and begged Jesus, “I know that you can heal me if you will.”

Jesus felt sorry for the man. So he touched him and said, “I want to heal you. Be healed!”

At once the disease left the man, and he was healed.

Jesus told the man to go at once. But Jesus warned him strongly,

“Don’t tell anyone about what I did for you. But go and show yourself to the priest. And offer a gift to God because you have been healed. Offer the gift that Moses commanded. This will show the people that you are healed.”

The man left there, but he told everyone he saw that Jesus had healed him. So the news about Jesus spread. That is the reason Jesus could not enter a town if people saw him. He stayed in places where nobody lived. But people came from all the towns to wherever he was.

This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See! I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way.

He is a voice calling out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord! Make his paths straight!’”

John was baptizing in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism about repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

People from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were flocking to him, being baptized by him while they confessed their sins.

Now John was dressed in camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist. He ate grasshoppers and wild honey.

He kept proclaiming, “The one who is coming after me is stronger than I am, and I am not worthy to bend down and untie his sandal straps.

I baptized you with water, but it is he who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens split open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

Then a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love. I am pleased with you!”

At once the Spirit drove him into the wilderness.

He was in the wilderness for 40 days being tempted by Satan. He was among wild animals, and angels were ministering to him.

Now after John had been arrested, Jesus went to Galilee and proclaimed the gospel about the kingdom of God.

He said, “The time is now! The kingdom of God is near! Repent, and keep believing the gospel!”

While Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were throwing a net into the sea because they were fishermen.

Jesus told them, “Follow me, and I’ll make you fishers of people!”

So immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Going on a little farther, he saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat repairing their nets.

He immediately called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Then they went to Capernaum. As soon as it was the Sabbaths, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

The people were utterly amazed at his teaching, because he was teaching them like one with authority, and not like their scribes.

All of a sudden, there was a man in their synagogue who had an unclean spirit! He screamed,

“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

But Jesus rebuked him. “Be quiet,” he ordered, “and come out of him!”

At this, the unclean spirit shook the man, cried out with a loud voice, and came out of him.

All the people were so stunned that they kept saying to each other, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He tells even the unclean spirits what to do, and they obey him!”

At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

After they left the synagogue, they went directly to the house of Simon and Andrew, along with James and John.

Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed, sick with a fever, so they promptly told Jesus about her.

He went up to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began serving them.

When evening came, after the sun had set, people started bringing to him everyone who was sick or possessed by demons.

In fact, the whole city gathered at the door.

He healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. However, he wouldn’t allow the demons to speak because they knew who he was.

In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went to a deserted place and prayed there.

Simon and his companions searched frantically for him.

When they found him, they told him, “Everyone’s looking for you.”

“Let’s go to the neighboring town,” he replied, “so I can preach there, too, because that’s why I came.”

So he went throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Then a leper came to Jesus and began pleading with him. He fell on his knees and told him, “If you want to, you can make me clean.”

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand, touched him, and told him, “I do want to. Be made clean!”

Instantly the leprosy left him, and he was clean.

Then Jesus sternly warned him and encouraged him to go at once.

He told the man, “Be sure that you don’t tell anyone. Instead, go and show yourself to the priest, and then offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded as proof to the authorities.”

But when the man left, he began to proclaim it freely. He spread the news so widely that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly, but had to stay out in deserted places. Still, people kept coming to him from everywhere.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God begins with the fulfilment of this prophecy of Isaiah—‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you’. ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight’.

For John came and began to baptise men in the desert, proclaiming baptism as the mark of a complete change of heart and of the forgiveness of sins. All the people of the Judean countryside and everyone in Jerusalem went out to him in the desert and received his baptism in the river Jordan, publicly confessing their sins.

John himself was dressed in camel-hair, with a leather belt round his waist, and he lived on locusts and wild honey. The burden of his preaching was, “There is someone coming after me who is stronger than I—indeed I am not good enough to kneel down and undo his shoes. I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”

It was in those days that Jesus arrived from the Galilean village of Nazareth and was baptised by John in the Jordan. All at once, as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens split open, and the Spirit coming down upon him like a dove. A voice came out of Heaven, saying, “You are my dearly-beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”

Then the Spirit sent him out at once into the desert, and there he remained for forty days while Satan tempted him. During this time no one was with him but wild animals, and only the angels were there to care for him.

It was after John’s arrest that Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the Gospel of God, saying, “The time has come at last—the kingdom of God has arrived. You must change your hearts and minds and believe the good news.”

As he walked along the shore of the Lake of Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, casting their nets into the water. “Come and follow me, and I will teach you to catch men!” he cried.

At once they dropped their nets, and followed him.

Then he went a little further along the shore and saw James the son of Zebedee, aboard a boat with his brother John, overhauling their nets. At once he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and went off after him.

They arrived at Capernaum, and on the Sabbath day Jesus walked straight into the synagogue and began teaching. They were amazed at his way of teaching, for he taught with the ring of authority—quite unlike the scribes. All at once, a man in the grip of an evil spirit appeared in the synagogue shouting out, “What have you got to do with us, Jesus from Nazareth? Have you come to kill us? I know who you are—you’re God’s holy one!”

But Jesus cut him short and spoke sharply, “Hold your tongue and get out of him!”

At this the evil spirit convulsed the man, let out a loud scream and left him. Everyone present was so astounded that people kept saying to each other, “What on earth has happened? This new teaching has authority behind it. Why he even gives his orders to evil spirits and they obey him!”

And his reputation spread like wild-fire through the whole Galilean district.

Then he got up and went straight from the synagogue to the house of Simon and Andrew, accompanied by James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a high fever, and they lost no time in telling Jesus about her. He went up to her, took her hand and helped her to her feet. The fever left her, and she began to see to their needs.

Late that evening, after sunset, they kept bringing to him all who were sick or troubled by evil spirits. The whole population of the town gathered round the doorway. And he healed great numbers of people who were suffering from various forms of disease. In many cases he expelled evil spirits; but he would not allow them to say a word, for they knew perfectly well who he was.

Then, in the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a deserted place, and there he prayed. Simon and his companions went in search of him, and when they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

“Then we will go somewhere else, to the neighbouring towns,” he replied, “so that I may give my message there too—that is why I have come.”

So he continued preaching in their synagogues and expelling evil spirits throughout the whole of Galilee.

Then a leper came to Jesus, knelt in front of him and appealed to him, “If you want to, you can make me clean.”

Jesus was filled with pity for him, and stretched out his hand and placed it on the leper, saying, “Of course I want to—be clean!”

At once the leprosy left him and he was quite clean. Jesus sent him away there and then with the strict injunction, “Mind you say nothing at all to anybody. Go straight off and show yourself to the priest, and make the offerings for your cleansing which Moses prescribed, as public proof of your recovery.”

But he went off and began to talk a great deal about it in public, spreading his story far and wide. Consequently, it became impossible for Jesus to show his face in the towns and he had to stay outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from all quarters.

¶ The beginning of the gospel of Jesus, the Christ, Son of God,

as it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.

John baptized in the wilderness and preached the baptism of repentance for remission of sins.

And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea and those of Jerusalem and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey

and preached, saying, There comes one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

I indeed have baptized you with water, but he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

¶ And it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth a city of Galilee and was baptized of John in the Jordan.

And as soon as he was come out of the water, John saw the heavens opened and the Spirit like a dove descending and resting upon him;

and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my dear Son, in whom I delight.

And immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness.

And he was there in the wilderness forty days and forty nights and was tempted of Satan and was with the wild beasts, and the angels ministered unto him.

¶ Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God

and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye and believe the gospel.

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers.

And Jesus said unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

And straightway they forsook their nets and followed him.

And when he had gone a little further from there, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

And straightway he called them; and leaving their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, they went after him.

And they entered into Capernaum, and straightway on the sabbath days he entered into the synagogue and taught.

And they marvelled at his learning, for he taught them as one that had power with him, and not as the scribes.

¶ And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out,

saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be silent, and come out of him.

And the unclean spirit tore him and cried with a loud voice and came out of him.

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? for he commands the unclean spirits with power, and they obey him.

And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

¶ And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

But Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick of a fever, and soon they told him of her.

And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up; and the fever left her by and by, and she ministered unto them.

In the evening, when the sun was down, they brought unto him all that were diseased and those that were possessed with devils.

And all the city was gathered together at the door.

And he healed many that were sick of diverse diseases and cast out many devils and suffered not the devils to speak because they knew him.

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out and departed into a solitary place and prayed there.

And Simon and those that were with him followed after him.

And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.

And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns that I may preach there also, for truly I came forth for that purpose.

And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee and cast out devils.

¶ And a leper came to him, beseeching him and kneeling down to him and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And Jesus, having mercy on him, put forth his hand and touched him and said unto him, I will; be thou clean.

And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was clean.

And he straitly charged him and forthwith sent him away

and said unto him, See thou say nothing to any man, but go, show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

But he went out and began to publish it much and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places; and they came to him from every quarter.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;

And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.

And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

And all the city was gathered together at the door.

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.

And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.

And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;

And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

as it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

And there went out unto him all the land of Judæa, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;

and preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.

And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

And all the city was gathered together at the door.

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.

And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.

And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;

and saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, Who will prepare Your way;

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight.’”

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

And all the region of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

And John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and was eating locusts and wild honey.

And he was preaching, saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the strap of His sandals.

I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Now it happened that in those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

And immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him;

and a voice came out of the heavens: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.”

And immediately the Spirit *drove Him to go out into the wilderness.

And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.

Now after John had been delivered up into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,

and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you 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 were also in the boat mending the nets.

And immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.

And they *went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach.

And they were astonished at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

And immediately there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

saying, “What do we have to do with You, Jesus the Nazarene? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”

And throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him.

And they were all amazed, so that they were arguing among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”

And immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee.

And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they *spoke to Jesus about her.

And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she began waiting on them.

Now when evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed.

And the whole city had gathered at the door.

And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.

And in the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus rose up, went out of the house, and went away to a desolate place, and was praying there.

And Simon and his companions searched for Him;

and they found Him, and *said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”

And He *said to them, “Let us go elsewhere, to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came out for.”

And He went, preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee and casting out the demons.

And a leper *came to Jesus, pleading with Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”

And moved with compassion, He stretched out His hand and touched him, and *said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

And immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.

And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away,

and He *said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in desolate areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Just as it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “Behold, I am sending my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way,

the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths!’”

John was there baptizing in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

And all the Judean region and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem went out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

And John was dressed in camel’s hair and a belt made of leather around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

And he was preaching, saying, “One who is more powerful than I is coming after me, of whom I am not worthy to bend down and untie the strap of his sandals.

I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

And it happened that in those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.

And immediately as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens being split apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.

And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

And immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness.

And he was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

And after John had been taken into custody, Jesus went into Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God

and saying, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”

And as he was passing by along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishermen).

And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of people.”

And immediately they left their nets and followed him.

And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John, and they were in the boat mending the nets.

And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went away after him.

And they went into Capernaum and immediately on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue.

And they were amazed at his teaching, because he was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like the scribes.

And so then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit, and he cried out,

saying, “Leave us alone, Jesus the Nazarene! Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”

And after convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, the unclean spirit came out of him.

And they were all amazed, so that they began to discuss with one another, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He even commands the unclean spirits and they obey him.”

And the report about him then went out everywhere in the whole surrounding region of Galilee.

And so then he departed from the synagogue and came into the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.

Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying down, suffering with a fever, and at once they told him about her.

And he came and raised her up by taking hold of her hand, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

Now when it was evening, when the sun had set, they began bringing to him all those who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.

And the whole town was gathered together at the door.

And he healed many who were sick with various diseases and expelled many demons. And he did not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

And getting up early in the morning while it was very dark, he departed and went to a deserted place, and there he was praying.

And Simon and those who were with him searched diligently for him.

And they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you!”

And he said to them, “Let us go elsewhere, into the neighboring rural towns, so that I can preach there also, because I have come out for this very reason.”

And he went into all Galilee preaching in their synagogues and expelling demons.

And a leper came to him, entreating him and kneeling down, saying to him, “If you are willing, you are able to make me clean.”

And becoming angry, he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be made clean.”

And immediately the leprosy went away from him and he was made clean.

And warning him sternly, he sent him away at once.

And he said to him, “See to it that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and bring for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.

But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread abroad the account, so that he was no longer able to enter publicly into a town. But he was staying outside in deserted places, and they were coming to him from all directions.

Here begins the wonderful story of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.

In the book written by the prophet Isaiah, God announced that he would send his Son to earth, and that a special messenger would arrive first to prepare the world for his coming.

“This messenger will live out in the barren wilderness,” Isaiah said, “and will proclaim that everyone must straighten out his life to be ready for the Lord’s arrival.”

This messenger was John the Baptist. He lived in the wilderness and taught that all should be baptized as a public announcement of their decision to turn their backs on sin, so that God could forgive them.

People from Jerusalem and from all over Judea traveled out into the Judean wastelands to see and hear John, and when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

His clothes were woven from camel’s hair and he wore a leather belt; locusts and wild honey were his food.

Here is a sample of his preaching: “Someone is coming soon who is far greater than I am, so much greater that I am not even worthy to be his slave.

I baptize you with water but he will baptize you with God’s Holy Spirit!”

Then one day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and was baptized by John there in the Jordan River.

The moment Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens open and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descending on him,

and a voice from heaven said, “You are my beloved Son; you are my Delight.”

Immediately the Holy Spirit urged Jesus into the desert. There, for forty days, alone except for desert animals, he was subjected to Satan’s temptations to sin. And afterwards the angels came and cared for him.

Later on, after John was arrested by King Herod, Jesus went to Galilee to preach God’s Good News.

“At last the time has come!” he announced. “God’s Kingdom is near! Turn from your sins and act on this glorious news!”

One day as Jesus was walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew fishing with nets, for they were commercial fishermen.

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me! And I will make you fishermen for the souls of men!”

At once they left their nets and went along with him.

A little farther up the beach, he saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat mending their nets.

He called them too, and immediately they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went with him.

Jesus and his companions now arrived at the town of Capernaum and on Saturday morning went into the Jewish place of worship—the synagogue—where he preached.

The congregation was surprised at his sermon because he spoke as an authority and didn’t try to prove his points by quoting others—quite unlike what they were used to hearing!

A man possessed by a demon was present and began shouting,

“Why are you bothering us, Jesus of Nazareth—have you come to destroy us demons? I know who you are—the holy Son of God!”

Jesus curtly commanded the demon to say no more and to come out of the man.

At that the evil spirit screamed and convulsed the man violently and left him.

Amazement gripped the audience and they began discussing what had happened. “What sort of new religion is this?” they asked excitedly. “Why, even evil spirits obey his orders!”

The news of what he had done spread quickly through that entire area of Galilee.

Then, leaving the synagogue, he and his disciples went over to Simon and Andrew’s home, where they found Simon’s mother-in-law sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away.

He went to her bedside, and as he took her by the hand and helped her to sit up, the fever suddenly left, and she got up and prepared dinner for them!

By sunset the courtyard was filled with the sick and demon-possessed, brought to him for healing; and a huge crowd of people from all over the city of Capernaum gathered outside the door to watch.

So Jesus healed great numbers of sick folk that evening and ordered many demons to come out of their victims. (But he refused to allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was.)

The next morning he was up long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray.

Later, Simon and the others went out to find him, and told him, “Everyone is asking for you.”

But he replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and give my message to them too, for that is why I came.”

So he traveled throughout the province of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and releasing many from the power of demons.

Once a leper came and knelt in front of him and begged to be healed. “If you want to, you can make me well again,” he pled.

And Jesus, moved with pity, touched him and said, “I want to! Be healed!”

Immediately the leprosy was gone—the man was healed!

Jesus then told him sternly, “Go and be examined immediately by the Jewish priest. Don’t stop to speak to anyone along the way. Take along the offering prescribed by Moses for a leper who is healed, so that everyone will have proof that you are well again.”

But as the man went on his way he began to shout the good news that he was healed; as a result, such throngs soon surrounded Jesus that he couldn’t publicly enter a city anywhere, but had to stay out in the barren wastelands. And people from everywhere came to him there.

The good news of Jesus Christ—the Message!—begins here, following to the letter the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Watch closely: I’m sending my preacher ahead of you; He’ll make the road smooth for you. Thunder in the desert! Prepare for God’s arrival! Make the road smooth and straight!

John the Baptizer appeared in the wild, preaching a baptism of life-change that leads to forgiveness of sins. People thronged to him from Judea and Jerusalem and, as they confessed their sins, were baptized by him in the Jordan River into a changed life. John wore a camel-hair habit, tied at the waist with a leather belt. He ate locusts and wild field honey.

As he preached he said, “The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will change your life. I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out.”

At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.”

At once, this same Spirit pushed Jesus out into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by Satan. Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him.

After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee preaching the Message of God: “Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.”

Passing along the beach of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew net-fishing. Fishing was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” They didn’t ask questions. They dropped their nets and followed.

A dozen yards or so down the beach, he saw the brothers James and John, Zebedee’s sons. They were in the boat, mending their fishnets. Right off, he made the same offer. Immediately, they left their father Zebedee, the boat, and the hired hands, and followed.

Then they entered Capernaum. When the Sabbath arrived, Jesus lost no time in getting to the meeting place. He spent the day there teaching. They were surprised at his teaching—so forthright, so confident—not quibbling and quoting like the religion scholars.

Suddenly, while still in the meeting place, he was interrupted by a man who was deeply disturbed and yelling out, “What business do you have here with us, Jesus? Nazarene! I know what you’re up to! You’re the Holy One of God, and you’ve come to destroy us!”

Jesus shut him up: “Quiet! Get out of him!” The afflicting spirit threw the man into spasms, protesting loudly—and got out.

Everyone there was spellbound, buzzing with curiosity. “What’s going on here? A new teaching that does what it says? He shuts up defiling, demonic spirits and tells them to get lost!” News of this traveled fast and was soon all over Galilee.

Directly on leaving the meeting place, they came to Simon and Andrew’s house, accompanied by James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed, burning up with fever. They told Jesus. He went to her, took her hand, and raised her up. No sooner had the fever left than she was up fixing dinner for them.

That evening, after the sun was down, they brought sick and evil-afflicted people to him, the whole city lined up at his door! He cured their sick bodies and tormented spirits. Because the demons knew his true identity, he didn’t let them say a word.

While it was still night, way before dawn, he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed. Simon and those with him went looking for him. They found him and said, “Everybody’s looking for you.”

Jesus said, “Let’s go to the rest of the villages so I can preach there also. This is why I’ve come.” He went to their meeting places all through Galilee, preaching and throwing out the demons.

A leper came to him, begging on his knees, “If you want to, you can cleanse me.”

Deeply moved, Jesus put out his hand, touched him, and said, “I want to. Be clean.” Then and there the leprosy was gone, his skin smooth and healthy. Jesus dismissed him with strict orders: “Say nothing to anyone. Take the offering for cleansing that Moses prescribed and present yourself to the priest. This will validate your healing to the people.” But as soon as the man was out of earshot, he told everyone he met what had happened, spreading the news all over town. So Jesus kept to out-of-the-way places, no longer able to move freely in and out of the city. But people found him, and came from all over.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in the Prophets: “Look, I am sending My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.”

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.’ ”

John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

The whole region of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist. And he ate locusts and wild honey.

He preached saying, “After me is coming One mightier than I, the straps of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

I indeed have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Coming up out of the water, He immediately saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove.

And a voice came from heaven, saying, “You are My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

The Spirit immediately drove Him into the wilderness.

And He was there in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts. And the angels ministered to Him.

After John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel.”

As He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, his brother, throwing a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

Jesus said to them, “Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee and John, his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets.

Immediately He called them. And they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed Him.

They went to Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.

They were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

In their synagogue there was a man with an unclean spirit.

And he cried out, “Leave us alone! What do You have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are, the Holy One of God.”

Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!”

When the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, it came out of him.

They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, “What is this? What new teaching is this? With authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”

Immediately His fame spread everywhere throughout the region surrounding Galilee.

When He came out of the synagogue with James and John, they went directly to the house of Simon and Andrew.

The mother of Simon’s wife lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told Him of her.

So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.

In the evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were possessed with demons.

The whole city was gathered at the door,

and He healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons. And He did not let the demons speak, because they knew Him.

In the morning, rising up a great while before sunrise, He went out and departed to a solitary place. And there He prayed.

Simon and those who were with Him followed Him,

and when they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is searching for You.”

He said to them, “Let us go into the nearby towns, that I may preach there also. For that is why I have come.”

So He preached in their synagogues throughout Galilee and cast out demons.

A leper came to Him, pleading with Him and kneeling before Him, saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”

Then Jesus, moved with compassion, extended His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I will. Be clean.”

As soon as He had spoken, the leprosy immediately departed from him, and he was cleansed.

He sternly warned him, and sent him away at once,

saying, “See that you say nothing to anyone. But go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Instead he went out and began to proclaim it widely and to spread the news around, so that Jesus could no more openly enter the city, but was out in remote places. And they came to Him from every quarter.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in · Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I am sending · my messenger before your face, who will prepare · your way,

a voice calling out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make · his paths straight.’”

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness and began preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

And all the Judean countryside and all · Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing · their sins.

Now John was · clothed with camel’s hair with a leather belt around · his waist, and he fed on locusts and wild honey.

And he was proclaiming, saying, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; of whom I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.

I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Now in those · days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan River by John.

And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opening up and the Spirit as a dove descending on him.

Then a voice came from · heaven, “You are · my beloved Son; · in you I take delight.”

· At once the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness,

and he was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by · Satan. · He was there with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to him.

Now after · John had been taken into custody, · Jesus went · into · Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God,

and saying, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

· As Jesus was going alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

And Jesus said to them, · “Come, follow me, and I will make you 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 their boat mending · nets.

And immediately he called them, and they left · their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Then they went to Capernaum; and on the next Sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

And they were astonished at · his teaching, for he was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

· Suddenly there was in · their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out,

saying, “What · do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

But Jesus rebuked it, · saying, “Be quiet and come out of him!”

Then the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions, · · cried out with a loud voice, and came out of him.

· All the people were amazed, so that they asked among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He even gives orders to unclean spirits · and they obey him.”

And his fame spread · quickly everywhere throughout all the country round about · Galilee.

· As soon as they went out of the synagogue they went to the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

Now the mother-in-law of Simon lay sick with a fever, and without delay they spoke to Jesus about her.

So he came and raised her up, taking her by the hand. Then the fever left her, and she began to wait on them.

When evening · came, after the sun had gone down, people were bringing to him all who were sick as well as the demon-possessed.

And the entire city was gathered together at the door.

So he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and drove out many demons. But he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

· Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus arose, left the house and went out to a deserted place; and there he spent time in prayer.

And Simon and those who were with him searched for him,

· found him, and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.”

And he said to them, “Let us go elsewhere, into the nearby towns, so that I may preach there also, because that is what I came to do.”

So he traveled throughout all Galilee, preaching in · their synagogues · and driving out · demons.

And a leper came to him, pleading for help from him, and falling on his knees · he exclaimed to him, “If you are willing, you can make me clean!”

· Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out · his hand and touched him, · saying to him, “I am willing; be made clean.”

And at once the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.

And after sternly warning him, Jesus sent him away at once,

and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for · your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

However, he went out and began to announce it publicly and spread abroad the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but stayed out in unpopulated areas. Yet people kept coming to him from every quarter.

This is the beginning of the Good News about Yeshua Christ, the Son of God.

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “I am sending my messenger ahead of you to prepare the way for you.”

“A voice cries out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord! Make his paths straight!’”

John the Baptizer was in the desert telling people about a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

All Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went to him. As they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

John was dressed in clothes made from camel’s hair. He wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.

He announced, “The one who comes after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to bend down and untie his sandal straps.

I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

At that time Yeshua came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River.

As Yeshua came out of the water, he saw heaven split open and the Spirit coming down to him as a dove.

A voice from heaven said, “You are my Son, whom I love. I am pleased with you.”

At once the Spirit brought him into the desert,

where he was tempted by Satan for 40 days. He was there with the wild animals, and the angels took care of him.

After John had been put in prison, Yeshua went to Galilee and told people the Good News of God.

He said, “The time has come, and the kingdom of God is near. Change the way you think and act, and believe the Good News.”

As he was going along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were throwing a net into the sea because they were fishermen.

Yeshua said to them, “Come, follow me! I will teach you how to catch people instead of fish.”

They immediately left their nets and followed him.

As Yeshua went on a little farther, he saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in a boat preparing their nets to go fishing.

He immediately called them, and they left their father Zebedee and the hired men in the boat and followed Yeshua.

Then they went to Capernaum. On the next day of worship, Yeshua went into the synagogue and began to teach.

The people were amazed at his teachings. Unlike their experts in Moses’ Teachings, he taught them with authority.

At that time there was a man in the synagogue who was controlled by an evil spirit. He shouted,

“What do you want with us, Yeshua from Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

Yeshua ordered the spirit, “Keep quiet, and come out of him!”

The evil spirit threw the man into convulsions and came out of him with a loud shriek.

Everyone was stunned. They said to each other, “What is this? This is a new teaching that has authority behind it! He gives orders to evil spirits, and they obey him.”

The news about him spread quickly throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

After they left the synagogue, they went directly to the house of Simon and Andrew. James and John went with them.

Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever. The first thing they did was to tell Yeshua about her.

Yeshua went to her, took her hand, and helped her get up. The fever went away, and she prepared a meal for them.

In the evening, when the sun had set, people brought to him everyone who was sick and those possessed by demons.

The whole city had gathered at his door.

He cured many who were sick with various diseases and forced many demons out of people. However, he would not allow the demons to speak. After all, they knew who he was.

In the morning, long before sunrise, Yeshua went to a place where he could be alone to pray.

Simon and his friends searched for him.

When they found him, they told him, “Everyone is looking for you.”

Yeshua said to them, “Let’s go somewhere else, to the small towns that are nearby. I have to spread the Good News in them also. This is why I have come.”

So he went to spread the Good News in the synagogues all over Galilee, and he forced demons out of people.

Then a man with a serious skin disease came to him. The man fell to his knees and begged Yeshua, “If you’re willing, you can make me clean.”

Yeshua felt sorry for him, reached out, touched him, and said, “I’m willing. So be clean!”

Immediately, his skin disease went away, and he was clean.

Yeshua sent him away at once and warned him,

“Don’t tell anyone about this! Instead, show yourself to the priest. Then offer the sacrifices which Moses commanded as proof to people that you are clean.”

When the man left, he began to talk freely. He spread his story so widely that Yeshua could no longer enter any city openly. Instead, he stayed in places where he could be alone. But people still kept coming to him from everywhere.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ [the Son of God].

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way.

A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’”

John [the] Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.

John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey.

And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.

I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the holy Spirit.”

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.

On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.

And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

At once the Spirit drove him out into the desert,

and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:

“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen.

Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.

He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets.

Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.

The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.

In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;

he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!”

The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.

All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”

His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

On leaving the synagogue he entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.

Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her.

He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.

The whole town was gathered at the door.

He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.

Simon and those who were with him pursued him

and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.”

So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

A leper came to him [and kneeling down] begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.”

Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.”

The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.

Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once.

Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,

just as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending My messenger before You, Who will prepare Your way;

The voice of one calling out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight!’”

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey.

And he was preaching, saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to bend down and untie the straps of His sandals.

I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

And immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon Him;

and a voice came from the heavens: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

And immediately the Spirit *brought Him out into the wilderness.

And He was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving Him.

Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,

and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the gospel.”

As He was going along the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will have you become fishers of people.”

Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who were also in the boat mending the nets.

Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and went away to follow Him.

They *went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and began to teach.

And they were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

saying, “What business do You have with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are: the Holy One of God!”

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”

After throwing him into convulsions and crying out with a loud voice, the unclean spirit came out of him.

And they were all amazed, so they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”

Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding region of Galilee.

And immediately after they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and they immediately *spoke to Jesus about her.

And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she served them.

Now when evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed.

And the whole city had gathered at the door.

And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.

And in the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and prayed there for a time.

Simon and his companions eagerly searched for Him;

and they found Him and *said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”

He *said to them, “Let’s go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may also preach there; for this is why I came.”

And He went into their synagogues preaching throughout Galilee, and casting out the demons.

And a man with leprosy *came to Jesus, imploring Him and kneeling down, and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and *said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.

And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away,

and He *said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, Who will prepare Your way;

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight.’”

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey.

And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals.

I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him;

and a voice came out of the heavens: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.”

Immediately the Spirit *impelled Him to go out into the wilderness.

And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.

Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,

and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets.

Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.

They *went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach.

They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

saying, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”

Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him.

They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”

Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee.

And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they *spoke to Jesus about her.

And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them.

When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed.

And the whole city had gathered at the door.

And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.

In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.

Simon and his companions searched for Him;

they found Him, and *said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”

He *said to them, “Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for.”

And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons.

And a leper *came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”

Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and *said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.

And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away,

and He *said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

It is written in the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way.

The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ ”

Hence, John the Baptist appeared in the desert, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

People from the entire Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem went out to him, and as they confessed their sins they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

John was clothed in a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and his food consisted of locusts and wild honey.

And this was the message he proclaimed: “One who is far more powerful than I am is coming after me. I am not worthy even to stoop down and loosen the straps of his sandals.

I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

And as he was coming up out of the water, he beheld the heavens break open and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove.

And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; in you I am well pleased.”

The Spirit immediately drove him out into the desert.

He remained there for forty days, during which time he was tempted by Satan. He lived there among the wild beasts, while the angels ministered to him.

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying,

“The time of fulfillment has arrived, and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

As Jesus was walking along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea, for they were fishermen.

Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Immediately, they abandoned their nets and followed him.

As he proceeded farther, he saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They also were in a boat mending their nets.

Immediately, he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired workers and followed him.

They journeyed to Capernaum, and on the Sabbath Jesus immediately entered the synagogue and began to instruct the people.

They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.

In that synagogue there was a man with an unclean spirit, and he shrieked,

“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”

But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”

The unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry emerged from him.

The people were all amazed, and they began to ask one another, “What is this? It must be a new kind of teaching! With authority he gives commands even to unclean spirits, and they obey him!”

His reputation quickly began to spread everywhere throughout the entire region of Galilee.

Immediately on leaving the synagogue, he went with James and John into the house of Simon and Andrew.

Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed, sick with a fever, and they informed Jesus at once about her.

Jesus approached her, grasped her by the hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

That evening, after sunset, they brought to him all those who were sick or possessed by demons.

The whole town was present, crowded around the door.

He cured many who were afflicted with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, although he would not permit them to speak because they knew who he was.

Early the next morning, long before dawn, he arose and went off to a secluded place, where he prayed.

Simon and his companions set forth in search of him,

and when they found him they said, “Everybody is looking for you.”

He replied, “Let us move on to the neighboring towns so that I may proclaim the message there as well. For this is the reason why I came.”

Then he traveled all throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

A man with leprosy approached and, kneeling before him, begged him, “If you choose to do so, you can make me clean.”

Moved with pity, “he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I do choose. Be made clean!”

Immediately, the leprosy left him and he was cured.

Jesus then sent him away at once, after first sternly warning him,

“See that you tell no one anything about this. Just go and show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed. That will be proof for them.”

However, he went forth and began to proclaim the entire story, spreading the word far and wide. As a result, Jesus could no longer go openly into any town. Rather, he stayed outside in deserted places, and people continued to come to him from every quarter.

This is the beginning of the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God,

as the prophet Isaiah wrote: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way.” Malachi 3:1

“This is a voice of one who calls out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord. Make the road straight for him.’” Isaiah 40:3

John was baptizing people in the desert and preaching a baptism of changed hearts and lives for the forgiveness of sins.

All the people from Judea and Jerusalem were going out to him. They confessed their sins and were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

John wore clothes made from camel’s hair, had a leather belt around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey.

This is what John preached to the people: “There is one coming after me who is greater than I; I am not good enough even to kneel down and untie his sandals.

I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

At that time Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River.

Immediately, as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven open. The Holy Spirit came down on him like a dove,

and a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love, and I am very pleased with you.”

Then the Spirit sent Jesus into the desert.

He was in the desert forty days and was tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels came and took care of him.

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, preaching the Good News from God.

He said, “The right time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Change your hearts and lives and believe the Good News!”

When Jesus was walking by Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the lake because they were fishermen.

Jesus said to them, “Come follow me, and I will make you fish for people.”

So Simon and Andrew immediately left their nets and followed him.

Going a little farther, Jesus saw two more brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in a boat, mending their nets.

Jesus immediately called them, and they left their father in the boat with the hired workers and followed Jesus.

Jesus and his followers went to Capernaum. On the Sabbath day He went to the synagogue and began to teach.

The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught like a person who had authority, not like their teachers of the law.

Just then, a man was there in the synagogue who had an evil spirit in him. He shouted,

“Jesus of Nazareth! What do you want with us? Did you come to destroy us? I know who you are—God’s Holy One!”

Jesus commanded the evil spirit, “Be quiet! Come out of the man!”

The evil spirit shook the man violently, gave a loud cry, and then came out of him.

The people were so amazed they asked each other, “What is happening here? This man is teaching something new, and with authority. He even gives commands to evil spirits, and they obey him.”

And the news about Jesus spread quickly everywhere in the area of Galilee.

As soon as Jesus and his followers left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.

Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, and the people told Jesus about her.

So Jesus went to her bed, took her hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began serving them.

That evening, after the sun went down, the people brought to Jesus all who were sick and had demons in them.

The whole town gathered at the door.

Jesus healed many who had different kinds of sicknesses, and he forced many demons to leave people. But he would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was.

Early the next morning, while it was still dark, Jesus woke and left the house. He went to a lonely place, where he prayed.

Simon and his friends went to look for Jesus.

When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you!”

Jesus answered, “We should go to other towns around here so I can preach there too. That is the reason I came.”

So he went everywhere in Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and forcing out demons.

A man with a skin disease came to Jesus. He fell to his knees and begged Jesus, “You can heal me if you will.”

Jesus felt sorry for the man, so he reached out his hand and touched him and said, “I will. Be healed!”

Immediately the disease left the man, and he was healed.

Jesus told the man to go away at once, but he warned him strongly,

“Don’t tell anyone about this. But go and show yourself to the priest. And offer the gift Moses commanded for people who are made well. This will show the people what I have done.”

The man left there, but he began to tell everyone that Jesus had healed him, and so he spread the news about Jesus. As a result, Jesus could not enter a town if people saw him. He stayed in places where nobody lived, but people came to him from everywhere.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way,

the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight.’”

In the wilderness John the baptizer began preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

People from the whole Judean countryside and all of Jerusalem were going out to him, and he was baptizing them in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.

John wore a garment made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

He proclaimed, “One more powerful than I am is coming after me; I am not worthy to bend down and untie the strap of his sandals.

I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Now in those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River.

And just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

And a voice came from heaven: “You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight.”

The Spirit immediately drove him into the wilderness.

He was in the wilderness forty days, enduring temptations from Satan. He was with wild animals, and angels were ministering to his needs.

Now after John was imprisoned, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God.

He said, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the gospel!”

As he went along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishermen).

Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will turn you into fishers of people!”

They left their nets immediately and followed him.

Going on a little farther, he saw James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother in their boat mending nets.

Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Then they went to Capernaum. When the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

The people there were amazed by his teaching, because he taught them like one who had authority, not like the experts in the law.

Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit, and he cried out,

“Leave us alone, Jesus the Nazarene! Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

But Jesus rebuked him: “Silence! Come out of him!”

After throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him.

They were all amazed so that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He even commands the unclean spirits and they obey him.”

So the news about him spread quickly throughout all the region around Galilee.

Now as soon as they left the synagogue, they entered Simon and Andrew’s house, with James and John.

Simon’s mother-in-law was lying down, sick with a fever, so they spoke to Jesus at once about her.

He came and raised her up by gently taking her hand. Then the fever left her and she began to serve them.

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were sick and demon-possessed.

The whole town gathered by the door.

So he healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. But he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

Then Jesus got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, and went out to a deserted place, and there he spent time in prayer.

Simon and his companions searched for him.

When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

He replied, “Let us go elsewhere, into the surrounding villages, so that I can preach there too. For that is what I came out here to do.”

So he went into all of Galilee preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Now a leper came to him and fell to his knees, asking for help. “If you are willing, you can make me clean,” he said.

Moved with indignation, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing. Be clean!”

The leprosy left him at once, and he was clean.

Immediately Jesus sent the man away with a very strong warning.

He told him, “See that you do not say anything to anyone, but go, show yourself to a priest, and bring the offering that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

But as the man went out he began to announce it publicly and spread the story widely, so that Jesus was no longer able to enter any town openly but stayed outside in remote places. Still they kept coming to him from everywhere.

This is the beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.

Long ago Isaiah the prophet wrote, “I will send my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare your way.” (Malachi 3:1)

“A messenger is calling out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord. Make straight paths for him.’ ” (Isaiah 40:3)

And so John the Baptist appeared in the desert. He preached that people should be baptized and turn away from their sins. Then God would forgive them.

All the people from the countryside of Judea went out to him. All the people from Jerusalem went too. When they admitted they had sinned, John baptized them in the Jordan River.

John wore clothes made out of camel’s hair. He had a leather belt around his waist. And he ate locusts and wild honey.

Here is what John was preaching. “After me, there is someone coming who is more powerful than I am. I’m not good enough to bend down and untie his sandals.

I baptize you with water. But he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee. John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.

Jesus was coming up out of the water. Just then he saw heaven being torn open. Jesus saw the Holy Spirit coming down on him like a dove.

A voice spoke to him from heaven. It said, “You are my Son, and I love you. I am very pleased with you.”

At once the Holy Spirit sent Jesus out into the desert.

He was in the desert 40 days. There Satan tempted him. The wild animals didn’t harm Jesus. Angels took care of him.

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee. He preached the good news of God.

“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Turn away from your sins and believe the good news!”

One day Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee. There he saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were throwing a net into the lake. They were fishermen.

“Come and follow me,” Jesus said. “I will send you out to fish for people.”

At once they left their nets and followed him.

Then Jesus walked a little farther. As he did, he saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat preparing their nets.

Right away he called out to them. They left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men. Then they followed Jesus.

Jesus and those with him went to Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue. There he began to teach.

The people were amazed at his teaching. That’s because he taught them like one who had authority. He did not talk like the teachers of the law.

Just then a man in their synagogue cried out. He was controlled by an evil spirit. He said,

“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are. You are the Holy One of God!”

“Be quiet!” said Jesus firmly. “Come out of him!”

The evil spirit shook the man wildly. Then it came out of him with a scream.

All the people were amazed. So they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching! And with so much authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits, and they obey him.”

News about Jesus spread quickly all over Galilee.

Jesus and those with him left the synagogue. Right away they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.

Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever. They told Jesus about her right away.

So he went to her. He took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her. Then she began to serve them.

That evening after sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who were sick. They also brought all who were controlled by demons.

All the people in town gathered at the door.

Jesus healed many of them. They had all kinds of sicknesses. He also drove out many demons. But he would not let the demons speak, because they knew who he was.

It was very early in the morning and still dark. Jesus got up and left the house. He went to a place where he could be alone. There he prayed.

Simon and his friends went to look for Jesus.

When they found him, they called out, “Everyone is looking for you!”

Jesus replied, “Let’s go somewhere else. I want to go to the nearby towns. I must preach there also. That is why I have come.”

So he traveled all around Galilee. He preached in their synagogues. He also drove out demons.

A man who had a skin disease came to Jesus. On his knees he begged Jesus. He said, “If you are willing to make me ‘clean,’ you can do it.”

Jesus became angry. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing to do it,” Jesus said. “Be ‘clean’!”

Right away the disease left the man, and he was “clean.”

Jesus sent him away at once. He gave the man a strong warning.

“Don’t tell this to anyone,” he said. “Go and show yourself to the priest. Offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded. It will be a witness to the priest and the people that you are ‘clean.’ ”

But the man went out and started talking right away. He spread the news to everyone. So Jesus could no longer enter a town openly. He stayed outside in lonely places. But people still came to him from everywhere.

The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,

as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”—

“a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.