Luke 5:21-39 ▼

21 upon which the Scribes and Pharisees objected among themselves, saying, what a man is this to blaspheme thus? who can forgive sins but God alone?

22 but Jesus perceiving their reflexions, said to them, what do you mean by such insinuations?

23 which is easier, to say, your sins are forgiven you, or to say, rise up, and walk?

24 but that ye may know, that the son of man hath power to forgive sins, rise, said he, to the paralytick, 'tis I command you, take up your bed, and go home.

25 immediately he started up before them all, took up the bed, where he lay, and went home, glorifying God.

26 at this they were all seized with astonishment, and gave thanks to God, crying out with great reverence, what a wonderful instance of power have we seen this day!

27 After this Jesus left the place, and seeing a publican named Levi, sitting at the custom-house, he said to him, follow me.

28 immediately he rose up, left all his affairs, and became his disciple.

29 Levi having prepared a handsom entertainment in his own house for him, a great number of publicans, and others, were likewise at table.

30 but the Scribes and Pharisees of that place reproach'd his disciples, and said, why do ye eat and drink with publicans and scandalous people?

31 but Jesus replied, they that are in health don't want a physician: but they that are sick.

32 I came not to call saints, but sinners to repentance. Then they ask'd him, how comes it that John's disciples,

33 and likewise those of the Pharisees, are frequently fasting and praying, while yours are employed in eating and drinking?

34 to which he answered, would you have the bridemen fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

35 however, the time will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then they will have occasions enow of fasting.

36 Besides, he applied this similitude to them, no man, said he, puts a piece of new cloth upon an old coat: if he does, the new will strain the old, and they will by no means suit one another.

37 nor will any one put new wine into old skins: if they do, the new wine will burst the skins, and wine and skins be all lost.

38 but new wine must be put into new skins, and both will be preserv'd.

39 so no-body that has been drinking old wine, will immediately call for new: for 'tis his maxim, "the old is best."