Teachings about Divorce
(Mark 10:1–12)

1When Jesus had finished these discourses, he departed from Galilee, and came into the confines of Judea, on the other side Jordan: 2where multitudes of people followed him, and he healed their sick.

3The Pharisees likewise came to him, and maliciously propos'd this question, may a man lawfully put away his wife at discretion? 4and he answered them, have ye not read, that when the creator, at the beginning, made male and female, 5he said, "for this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and be attach'd to his wife: and they two shall be one flesh?" 6so that they are not now two, but one, what therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 7why then, said they, did Moses permit to give a writ of divorce to repudiate the wife? 8he answer'd them, 'twas because of your perverse temper that Moses suffered you to repudiate your wives: but from the beginning this was not in practice. 9and I tell you, that whoever shall put away his wife, except it be for adultery, and shall marry another, he committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her that is put away, causeth her to commit adultery.

10thereupon his disciples said, if the case between man and wife be such, it is best not to marry. 11but he reply'd, 'tis not everyman can live single, but only such as have the gift of continency. 12as there are some eunuchs, who were such from their very birth: and others who were made such by men: so there are some who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of religion, he that can bear the state of celibacy, let him bear it.

Jesus Blesses the Children
(Mark 10:13–16; Luke 18:15–17)

13Then they brought children to him in order to have his blessing: and the disciples rebuked them. 14but Jesus said, let the children alone, and don't hinder them from coming to me: for of such does the gospel-kingdom consist. 15and he laid his hands upon them, and departed thence.

The Rich Young Man
(Mark 10:17–31; Luke 18:18–30)

16Immediately one came near him, saying, good master, what good shall I do, to obtain eternal life? 17and he said to him, why do you stile me good? there is but one that is good, that is God, but if you would enter into life, keep the commandments. 18he reply'd, which? Jesus said, "thou shalt do no murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, 19honour thy father and thy mother: and, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." 20the young man answer'd, all these things have I practis'd from my youth: what is it that is further required? 21Jesus said, if thou wilt be perfect, go sell your estate, give the value to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: then come and follow me. 22but when the young man heard that, he went away dejected: for he had great possessions.

23then said Jesus to his disciples, I declare unto you, it will be difficult for a rich man to enter into the gospel kingdom. 24I tell you again, it is easier for a cable to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the divine kingdom. 25when his disciples heard this, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, who then can be saved? 26but Jesus looking at them, said, however impracticable this is to men, all things are possible to God.

27Then said Peter, but we, who have left every thing to follow thee; what advantage shall we get by it? 28Jesus reply'd, I declare unto you, that in the new age, when the son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye that have followed me shall likewise sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29and every one that abandons his family, his brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my sake, shall receive in that age an hundred times the value, and shall inherit hereafter everlasting life. 30but many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.