Chapter 3
11. General Statement of the Work of Jesus
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and a fame went out concerning him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
12. Jesus Teaches at Nazareth
And Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And he opened the book, and found the place where is was written,
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor:
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives,
To set at liberty them that are bruised,
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.
And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the words of grace that proceeded out of his mouth.
And they said, is this not Joseph’s son?
Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about 30 years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph.
And Jesus came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. 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 they were all amazed, insomuch as they questioned among themselves, saying, What is this? A new teaching!
And the report of him went out straightway everywhere into all the regions of Galilee and round about.
And straightway, when Jesus was come out of the synagogue, he came into the house. And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto Jesus them that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he cast out many devils. And the devils came out crying and saying,
Ah! What have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth, thou Son of the Most High God? Art thou come to torment us? Art thou come to destroy us? We know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God! And rebuking them, Jesus suffered them not to speak, because they believed that he was the Christ.
15. Jesus Teaches by the Lake
Now it came to pass, while the multitude pressed upon Jesus and heard the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret.
And he saw two boats standing by the lake: but the fishermen had gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land.
And he sat down and taught the multitudes out of the boat.
And when Jesus had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all night, and took nothing: but at thy word I will let down the nets.
And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes. And they beckoned unto their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the boats. And Simon was amazed at the draught of the fishes which they had taken; and so were also James and John, sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon.
But Simon Peter fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Master. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not, from henceforth thou shat catch men.
And when they had brought their boats to land, they left all and followed Jesus.
And in the morning, a great while before day, Jesus 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 Jesus 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 teaching.