A harmony of the Gospels in the revised version, with new helps for historical study

Front matter

•by

•bv°

^0*

Preface

This work is the fruit of more than thirty years spent in teaching the English New Testament. I first used as a text-book the Harmony of Dr. Ed. Robinson, and for some twenty years past that of Dr. G. W. Clark. Both are valuable works, deserving their wide reputation. But I have become more and more convinced that most harmonists seriously err in laying stress on the division of our Lord's ministry into Passover years. It is quite impossible to determine with any great confidence whether the feast of John 5:1 was a passover, and the two known passovers of John 2:13 and 6:4 have really no important relation to the development of our Lord's ministry. Besides, the length of his ministry, and the dates of his birth and death, cannot be precisely fixed. But cease to labor for an exact chronology, quit regarding the feasts (except the last Passover) as important epochs in his work, and you presently perceive that his ministry divides itself easily into well-defined periods, in each of which you can trace a gradual progress, (a) in our Lord's self-manifestation, (b) in the hostility of his enemies, and (c) in his training of the Twelve Apostles. Thus we become able to follow the inner movements of the history, towards that long-delayed, but foreseen and inevitable collision, in which, beyond all other instances, the wrath of man was made to praise God.

The chief marks of this historical progress in the Life of our Lord I have tried to indicate by brief foot-notes, and other notes in italic letters placed here and there between the sections. Many of these brief notes also touch various points of harmonizing, of chronology, and other matters, so that the reader may quickly get the most important necessary information or help, and move forward. Questions requiring more elaborate discussion have been treated by my colleague, Dr. A. T. Robertson, in longer notes placed at the end of the volume, which in my judgment are remarkably complete and discriminating, and will greatly aid the careful student.

IV PREFACE.

It has seemed best to print the Harmony in the Revised Version, commonly known as the Canterbury, or Anglo-American Revision, which is nowadays given in many lesson helps and commentaries along with the Common or King James translation. In printing this revised text some use has been made of Waddy's Harmony.

Probably most persons look upon a Harmony of the Gospels as useful only to Bible class work or other regular forms of study. But I invite any one who takes pleasure in reading his Bible to try the experiment of reading this Harmony as a connected and complete Life of Christ, moving steadily on through the successive periods, and striving to come ever nearer to him as our Teacher, Exemplar, Redeemer, Lord. It is hoped also that Y. M. C. A. classes, in Colleges and elsewhere, may in many cases like to take up a series of lessons in that great Life, which is the focus of human history, and the centre of Scripture. When Sunday School lessons are taken from any one of the Gospels, it is an important advantage for all teachers, and the more intelligent pupils, to compare every such lesson with the other Gospels as presented in a Harmony ; while for regular lessons on the Life of Christ a Harmony is indispensable to thorough treatment. In Theological Seminaries, not merely students who use only the English Bible, but those who study the Gospels in Greek, would be much profited by first making a survey of the Harmony in English. And no minister can afford to prepare a sermon on any text from a Gospel without looking up the parallel passages from other Gospels, and also considering where his text stands in the gradual unfolding of the Saviour's teaching and work.

J. A. B.

Southern Bapt. Theol. Seminary,

Louisrille, Ky., June 15, 1898.

REVISER'S PREFACE.

It has been ten years since Dr. Broadus issued his Harmony, which has already gone through six editions. This has seemed a fitting time to give the book a close revision. Some important changes have been made in the notes at the end of the book. Dr. Broadus' Harmony was the first one to depart from the traditional division of the ministry of Christ by the Passovers rather than by the natural unfolding of the ministry itself. He also introduced an Analytical Outline into the body of the Harmony in italics, made cross references to similar incidents or sayings, had helpful summaries at the beginning of each of the General Divisions (Parts), preserved the marginal notes of the Revised Version, which is the text used, and added at suitable points very valuable foot-notes that helped the student to seize the movement of the history. The plan of his Harmony is to give the best help3 for historical study. The Gospel material is arranged in the order accepted by the best New Testament scholars, but difficulties at various points are freely recognized and indicated. The student at least has a working basis to start with.

In accordance with this conception of the Harmony some further helps are added in this Revised Edition. An excellent map of Palestine is furnished, the Analytical Outline is put by itself in front as well as preserved in the body of the text, the cross references to similar incidents and sayings are added in a separate appendix, besides being preserved in the text, Dr. Broadus' "Analysis and Peculiarities of the Gospel" is given in an appendix, besides new lists of the Parables, Miracles, Old Testament Quotations, Uncanonical Sayings of Jesus and a list of the chief Harmonies. References to the sections and pages of the Harmony go with those appendices. There is added, moreover, a full Index of Persons and Places which will be helpful. There is also the usual Synopsis with tables for finding passages. It is believed that this Harmony thus offers peculiar advantages to the student engaged in historical study. Dr. Broadus' work in the volume is the ripe fruit of a lifetime of rich study and reflection by one of the rarest teachers of the New Testament that any age or country has ever seen.

A. T. ROBERTSON.

Southern Bapt. Theol. Seminary.

Louisville, Ky., Jan. 1, 1903. IV a

A BRIEF ANALYTICAL OUTLINE OF THE HARMONY.

PART I. — Matters Connected with our Lord s Birth and Childhood, pages 1-11, 1 1-13

Introductory Portions of the Gospels, pages 1-3, '$ 1. The First Events of the History, pages 3-8, \ 2-8. The Infancy and Childhood of Jesus, pages 8-11, \ 9-13.

PART II. — Beginning of the Forerunner's Ministry, pages 12-25, \ 14

PART III.— Beginning of Our Lord's Ministry, pages 16-24, i 15-23. The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus, pages 15-17, § 15, 16. The First Disciples, pages 18, 19, § 17, 18. Beginning Work in Galilee, pages 19, 20, \ 19, 20. The Openiog Ministry in Juclea, pages 20-22, g 21, 22. The Ministry in Samaria and the Return to Galilee, pages 22-24, I 24.

PART IV.— Our Lord's Great Ministry in Galilee, pages 25-75, § 24-56. General Survey of the Galilean Ministry, page 25 f., § 24. Finding a New Home in Capernaum, pages 26-30, g 25-29. The First Journey About Galilee, pages 30-39, \ 30-36. The Sabbath Controversy, pages 39-43, § 37-39. Choice of the Twelve and the Great Sermon, pages 44-52, $ 40-42. The Message from John and the Second Tour of Galilee, pages

52-57, I 43-47.

The Busy Day, pages 57-70, I 48-53.

The Third Journey About Galilee, pages 71-75, \ 54-56.

PART V. — Season of Retirement into Districts Around Galilee, pages

76-103, I 57-74.

The First Withdrawal and Succeeding Events, pages 76-85 § 57-60. The Second Withdrawal, pages 85 f., \ 6J.

The Third Withdrawal, pages 86 f., § 62.

The Fourth Withdrawal, pages 88-96, \ 63-67. The Brief Return to Galilee on the Way to Jerusalem, pages

BRIEF ANALYTICAL OUTLINE. IV d

PART VI.— Closing Ministry in All Parts of the Holy Land, pages 104-139, I 75-103.

Discourses at the Feast of Tabernacles, pages 104-110, \ 75-79. The Later Judean Ministry, pages 110-119, § 80-88. At the Feast of Dedication, page 119 f., § 89. The First Perean Ministry, pages 120-126, \ 90-93. The Raising of Lazarus and Withdrawal, pages 126, 127,

§ 94, 95.

The Last Journey to Jerusalem, pages 128-139, g 96-103.

PART VII.— Last Week of Our Lord's Ministry and His Crucifixion, pages 140-217, \ 104-133.

The Arrival at Bethany, page 140, \ 104.

The Last Days of the Public Ministry, pages 140-163, I 105-116. Preparing for the End, pages 169-186, \ 117-123. The Culmination and the Catastrophe, pages 186-217, § 124-133.

PART VIII. — Our Lord's Appearances and Ascension, pages 218-231, § 134-143.

The First Day of the Week, pages 218-226, \ 134-138. The Second First Day after the Resurrection, page 226, § 139. The Later Appearances, pages 226-231, \ 140-143.

T

SYNOPSIS OF THE HARMONY.

PART I.

MATTERS CONNECTED WITH OUR LORD'S BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD.

Sect. Page.

1. Introductory portions of the several Gospels.

(a) Dedication of Luke's Gospel 1

(b) Introduction to John's Gospel 1

(c) The Genealogies in Matthew and Luke 2

2. Annunciation of the Birth of John the Baptist 3

3. Annunciation to the Virgin Mary of the Birth of Jesus 4

4. Visit of Mary to Elisabeth 5

5. Birth of John the Baptist, and his Desert Life 6

6. Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus T

7. Birth of Jesus 7

8. Angels proclaim to Shepherds that the Messiah is born at

Bethlehem 8

9. Circumcision of Jesus, and Presentation in the Temple 8

10. Magi visit the new-born King of the Jews 9

11. The Child Jesus carried to Egypt, and the Children of Bethle-

hem slain 10

12. The Child brought from Egypt to Nazareth 10

13. Jesus lives at Nazareth, and visits Jerusalem when 12 years old. . 11

PART II.

BEGINNING OF THE FORERUNNER'S MINISTRY.

14. John the Baptist preaches the near approach of the Messianic reign, and baptizes in the Jordan those who repent and believe 12

VI SYNOPSIS OF THE HARMONY.

Part III. Beginnings Of Our Lord's Ministry

Sect. Page.

15. Jesus baptized by John in the Jordan 15

16. Jesus tempted in the Wilderness 16

17. 3 ohn testifies to Jesus 18

18. Jesus makes his first disciples 18

19. Jesus works his first miracle, at Cana 19

20. Jesus makes a first sojourn at Capernaum, accompanied by his

kindred and his early disciples 20

21. Jesus attends the first Passover during his Ministry.

(a) He cleanses the Temple. (Comp. \ 106. ) 20

(b) During the Passover, many believe on Jesus, including

the ruler Nicodemus. Conversation with Nicodemus. 20

22. Early Ministry in Judea, and John's renewed testimony 21

23. Jesus removes from Judea through Samaria to Galilee.

(a) Reasons for leaving Judea 22

(b) Conversation at Jacob's well, and sojourn at Sychar 22

(c) Arrival in Galilee 24

Part IV. Our Lord's Great Ministry In Galilee

24. General account of his teaching in Galilee 25

25. He heals at Cana the son of a courtier of Capernaum 26

26. Rejected at Nazareth, he makes Capernaum his residenco.

27. He calls four fishermen to follow him 27

28. He heals a demoniac in the synagogue at Capernaum. 28

29. He heals Peter's mother-in-law, and many others 29

30. He journeys about Galilee, preaching and healing 30

31. A leper healed, and much popular excitement 31

32. Thronged in Capernaum, he heals a paralytic lowered through

the roof 32

33. The call of Matthew, who makes him a great entertainment 34

34. Jesus discourses on fasting 35

35. He raises Jairus' daughter, and heals a woman who only touched

his garment 36

36. He heals two blind men, and a dumb demoniac 39

SYNOPSIS OF THE HARMONY. VII

Sect. Page.

37. Attending a feast in Jerusalem (probably the Passover), Jesus

heals a man on the Sabbath, and defends his action 39

38. The disciples of Jesus pluck ears of grain on the Sabbath, and he

defends them 41

39. Jesus heals a withered hand on the Sabbath, and defends it.

40. Great multitudes attend him beside the sea of Galilee 44

41. After a night of prayer, Jesus selects Twelve Apostles 44

42. The Sermon on the Mount. Privileges and Requirements of the

Messianic Reign 45

43. Jesus heals a centurion's servant at Capernaum 52

44. He raises a widow's son at Nain 53

45. A message comes from John the Baptist, and our Lord discourses

as to John, and various other matters suggested 54

46. The woman that was a sinner anoints the Saviour's feet.

47. Further journeying about Galilee. (Comp. \ 30.) 57

48. Blasphemous accusation of league with Beelzebub. (Comp. § 84.) . 57

49. Scribes and Pharisees demand a sign 59

50. Christ's mother and brethren 59

51. The first great group of Parables 60

52. In crossing the lake, Jesus stills the tempest 66

53. Beyond the lake, he heals two Gadarene demoniacs 67

54. Returning, he visits Nazareth, and is again rejected. (Comp. §26.) 70

55. Jesus yet again journeys about Galilee (comp. §30 and 47), and now

sends the Twelve before him (comp. § 80), after instructing them 71

56. Herod Antipas supposes Jesus to be John the Baptist risen, whom

he had beheaded 74

PAKT V.

SEASON OF RETIREMENT INTO DISTRICTS AROUND GALILEE.

57. The Twelve return, and Jesus retires with them beyond the lake

to rest. Feeding of the Five Thousand 76

58. The Twelve try to row back, and Jesus comes walking on the water. 79

59. He discourses in the crowded Synagogue at Capernaum, on eating

spiritual food, and on the necessity of a divine teaching and drawing in order to true discipleship. (Comp. § 92. ) 81

VIII SYNOPSIS OF THE HARMONY.

Sect. Paga

60. Emissaries from Jerusalem reproach him for disregarding Tra-

dition ' 83

61 . He retires to the region of Tyre and Sidon, and heals a Phoeni-

cian woman's daughter 85

62. He goes farther North, and then East and South into Decapolis —

heals multitudes, and feeds the Four Thousand 86

63. After crossing to Galilee, he again retires into the tetrarchy of

Philip. A blind man healed 88

64. In the neighborhood of Caesarea-Philippi, the Twelve avow

(through Peter) their belief that he is the Messiah 89

65. Jesus distinctly foretells that he, the Messiah, will be rejected

and killed, and will rise the third day 91

66. The Transfiguration, and discourse in descending 92

67. The demoniac boy, whom the disciples could not heal 94

68. Returning privately through Galilee, he again foretells his death

and resurrection. (Comp. \ 65, 66, 101.) 97

69. Jesus, the Messiah, pays the half-shekel for the Temple 97

70. The Twelve contend as to who shall be the greatest under the

Messiah's reign. His subjects must be childlike. (Comp. \ 99.) 98

71. Right treatment of a brother who has sinned against one, and

duty of patiently forgiving 100

72. The Messiah's followers must give up everything for his service. 101

73. The unbelieving brothers of Jesus counsel him to exhibit himself

in Judea, and he rejects the advice 102

74. He goes privately to Jerusalem through Samaria 102

Part VI. Closing Ministry, In All Parts Of The Holy Land

75. At the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus teaches in the Temple, and people wonder whether he is the Messiah. Attempt of the rulers to arrest him 104

[76. Story of an adulteress brought to Jesus for judgment.] 105

77. Jesus claims to be the Son of God, and to have existed before

Abraham. Attempt of the people to stone him 106

78. Jesus heals a man born blind. The rulers forbid his being rec-

ognized as the Messiah 108

79. Jesus intimates that he is going to die for his flock, and come to

life again 109

80. Mission of the Seventy, and their return. (Comp. \ 55.) 110

SYNOPSIS OF THE HARMONY. IX

Sect. Page.

81. Jesus answers a lawyer's question as to eternal life, giving the

parable of the Good Samaritan Ill

82. Jesus the guest of Martha and Mary 112

83. Jesus again gives a model of prayer (comp. §42,d), and encourages

his disciples to pray 112

84. Blasphemous accusation of league with Beelzebub. (Comp. 1 48.) 113

85. While breakfasting with a Pharisee, Jesus severely denounces

the Pharisees and lawyers, and excites their enmity 114

86. He speaks to his disciples and a vast throng, about hypocrisy,

worldly anxieties (comp. §42,e), watchfulness, and his own approaching Passion 115

87. All must repent or perish. Parable of the barren fig tree 118

88. Jesus heals on the Sabbath, and defends himself. (Comp. $37-39,

91.) Parables of the mustard seed and the leaven. (Comp.

89. At the Feast of Dedication, Jesus will not yet openly say that he

is the Messiah. They try to stone him, and he retires to Perea 119

90. Teaching in Perea, on a journey toward Jerusalem. Warned

against Herod Antipas 120

91. While breakfasting with a chief Pharisee, Jesus again heals on

the Sabbath, and defends himself. (Comp. $88 and 37-39.) Three lessons suggested by the occasion 121

92. Great crowds follow him, and he warns them to count the cost of

discipleship to him. (Comp. \ 59.) 122

93. Five great Parables— the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son —

the unrighteous steward — the rich man and the beggar Lazarus. Some other lessons 123

94. Jesus raises Lazarus of Bethany from the dead 126

95. The Sanhedrin plot his death, and he retires again 127

96. Journeying through Samaria and Galilee towards Jerusalem, he

teaches that the Messianic reign will come unexpectedly . . . 128

97. Parables of the importunate widow, and of the Pharisee and the

Publican ... 129

98. Going from Galilee through Perea, he teaches concerning

divorce 129

99. He blesses some infant children, and teaches that subjects of the

Messianic reign must be childlike. (Comp. $ 70.) 131

100. The rich young ruler, and the perils of riches. The rewards

of forsaking all to follow the Messiah (comp. \ 72) will be great, but will be sovereign 132

X SYNOPSIS OF THE HARMONY.

Sect. Page.

101. Jesus again foretells to the disciples his death and resurrection

(comp. §65-67), and rebukes the selfish ambition of James and John 135

102. Blind Bartimaeus and his companion healed near Jericho 137

103. Jesus visits Zacchseus, speaks the Parable of the pounds, and sets

out for Jerusalem 138

Part VII. Last Week Op Our Lord's Ministry, And His Crucifixion

104. Jesus arrives at Bethany, near Jerusalem 140

105. His triumphal entry into Jerusalem as the Messiah 140

106. The barren fig tree cursed, and the second cleansing of the

107. Some Greeks wish to see Jesus, and he foretells that by being

"lifted up" he will draw all men to him 145

108. The barren fig tree found to have withered 146

109. The rulers question the authority of Jesus. He refuses to ex-

plain, and sets forth their wickedness by three Parables — the two sons, the wicked husbandmen, the marriage feast of the king's son 147

110. The Pharisees and the Herodians try to ensnare Jesus about

paying tribute to Caesar 152

111. The Sadducees ask him a puzzling question about the resurrec-

112. A Pharisee who is a lawyer questions him, and then Jesus asks

the Pharisees a question about the Messiah, which they cannot answer 155

113. In his last public discourse, Jesus solemnly denounces the Scribes

and Pharisees. (Comp. $ 85. ) 156

114. Jesus closely observes the contributions in the Temple, and

commends the poor widow's gift 159

115. Sitting on the Mount of Olives, Jesus speaks to his disciples

about the destruction of Jerusalem, and his own second coming 160

116. Conclusion of this discourse, as to the second coming — Parable

of the Ten Virgins, and of the Talents — the Final Judgment 167

SYNOPSIS OF THE HARMONY. XI

Sect. Page.

117. Jesus again predicts, and the rulers plot, his death. Mary-

anoints him beforehand for burial (comp. \ 46), and Judas bargains to betray him 169

118. Preparation for the Paschal meal, and contention among the

Twelve as to precedence under the Messianic reign 172

119. During the Paschal meal, Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. 174

120. Jesus foretells that Judas will betray him, and Peter will deny

him 174

121. Jesus institutes the Memorial of eating bread and drinking wine. 178

122. Farewell discourse to his disciples 179

123. Going forth to Gethsemane, Jesus suffers long in agony 183

124. Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and forsaken 186

125. Jesus first examined by Annas, the ex-High Priest 190

126. Tried and Condemned by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin 190

127. Peter thrice denies his Lord 193

128. After dawn, Jesus is formally condemned by the Sanhedrin, and

led away to Pilate 195

129. Remorse and suicide of Judas the betrayer 197

130. Jesus before Pilate the first time 197

131. Jesus before Herod Antipas the tetrarch of Galilee 200

132. Brought back to Pilate, who slowly and reluctantly consents

that he shall be crucified 201

133. The Crucifixion 207

Part VIII. Our Lord's Resurrection, Appearances, And Ascension

134. Angels announce to certain women that Jesus is risen, and

Peter and John enter the empty tomb 218

135. The risen Lord appears to the women, and separately to Mary

Magdalene. These report to the Apostles 220

136. Some of the guard report to the Jewish Rulers 222

137. Jesus appears to Simon Peter, and to two disciples on the way

to Emmaus 223

138. He appears to the Apostles (except Thomas) , to the two returned

from Emmaus, and others, and gives a Commission 224

139. He appears again to the Apostles, including Thomas 226

140. He appears to seven disciples beside the sea of Galilee 226

XII SYNOPSIS OF THE HARMONY.

Sect. Page.

141. He meets the Apostles and above five hundred on an appointed

mountain in Galilee, and gives a Commission 228

142. He appears to James; then to all the Apostles, and gives them

a Commission 229

143. The Ascension 230

Index To Notes (at The End) On Points Of Special Difficulty

On § 1,0. The Genealogies of Christ 232

On \ 7. Probable time of the Saviour's Birth 235

On § 37. The Feast of John 5:1, and the Duration of our Lord's Ministry 241

On I 41. The four lists of the Twelve Apostles 244

On I 42. The Sermon on the Mount 246

On I 75. The Combination of Luke and John 249

On 1 118. Did Christ eat the Passover? 253

On \ 132. The Hour of the Crucifixion 258

On 1 134. Time of the Resurrection of Christ 260

On \ 134. Length of our Lord's Stay in the Tomb 263