^{20 Ref} and he having seen their faith, said to him, `Man, thy sins have been forgiven thee.'

^{21 Ref} And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, `Who is this that doth speak evil words? who is able to forgive sins, except God only?'

^{22 Ref} And Jesus having known their reasonings, answering, said unto them, `What reason ye in your hearts?

^{23 Ref} which is easier -- to say, Thy sins have been forgiven thee? or to say, Arise, and walk?

^{24 Ref} `And that ye may know that the Son of Man hath authority upon the earth to forgive sins -- (he said to the one struck with palsy) -- I say to thee, Arise, and having taken up thy little couch, be going on to thy house.'