Chapter 1
Origin of the Records
For as much as many have taken in hand to draw up a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write unto thee an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus; so that thou mightest know the certainty concerning the things wherein thou wast instructed.
Birth of Jesus at Bethlehem
In the days of Herod, King of Judea, it came to pass that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the City of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to enroll himself with Mary, who was great with Child.
And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that Mary should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.
The Dedication at Jerusalem
And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, his name was called Jesus.
And when the days of the purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord), and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
The Return to Nazareth
And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
The Youth of Jesus
And the child grew, and waxed strong, becoming full of wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Jesus as Student
And the parents of Jesus went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. And when Jesus was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem. And his parents knew it not; but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey. And they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance: and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him.
And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions: and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
And when they saw him, they were astonished: and his mother said unto him, Son, why has thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing. And Jesus said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be in my Father’s house? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
Development of Jesus
And Jesus went down with his parents, and came to Nazareth, and he was subject unto them: And his mother kept all things in her heart.
And Jesus advanced in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men.