³⁵ he was the burning and shining lamp, and ye did will to be glad, for an hour, in his light.

¹⁹ And we have more firm the prophetic word, to which we do well giving heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, till day may dawn, and a morning star may arise -- in your hearts;

²⁶ and if we should say, From men, we fear the multitude, for all hold John as a prophet.'

¹⁵ what then was your happiness? for I testify to you, that if possible, your eyes having plucked out, ye would have given to me;

¹⁶ so that your enemy have I become, being true to you?

⁶⁶ From this `time' many of his disciples went away backward, and were no more walking with him,

⁷ this one came for testimony, that he might testify about the Light, that all might believe through him;

⁸ that one was not the Light, but -- that he might testify about the Light.

²⁸ for I say to you, a greater prophet, among those born of women, than John the Baptist there is not; but the least in the reign of God is greater than he.'

⁷⁶ And thou, child, Prophet of the Highest Shalt thou be called; For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, To prepare His ways.

⁷⁷ To give knowledge of salvation to His people In remission of their sins,

¹⁵ for he shall be great before the Lord, and wine and strong drink he may not drink, and of the Holy Spirit he shall be full, even from his mother's womb;

¹⁶ and many of the sons of Israel he shall turn to the Lord their God,

¹⁷ and he shall go before Him, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn hearts of fathers unto children, and disobedient ones to the wisdom of righteous ones, to make ready for the Lord, a people prepared.'

²⁰ for Herod was fearing John, knowing him a man righteous and holy, and was keeping watch over him, and having heard him, was doing many things, and hearing him gladly.

²⁰ `And that sown on the rocky places, this is he who is hearing the word, and immediately with joy is receiving it,

²¹ and he hath not root in himself, but is temporary, and persecution or tribulation having happened because of the word, immediately he is stumbled.

¹¹ Verily I say to you, there hath not risen, among those born of women, a greater than John the Baptist, but he who is least in the reign of the heavens is greater than he.

⁷ And as they are going, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, `What went ye out to the wilderness to view? -- a reed shaken by the wind?

⁸ `But what went ye out to see? -- a man clothed in soft garments? lo, those wearing the soft things are in the kings' houses.

⁹ `But what went ye out to see? -- a prophet? yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet,

⁵ Then were going forth unto him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about the Jordan,

⁶ and they were baptized in the Jordan by him, confessing their sins.

⁷ And having seen many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming about his baptism, he said to them, `Brood of vipers! who did shew you to flee from the coming wrath?

³¹ And they come in unto thee as the coming in of a people, And they sit before thee -- My people, And have heard thy words, and they do them not, For doting loves with their mouth they are making, After their dishonest gain their heart is going.