1
Accordingly He went on board, and crossing over came to His own town.
2
Here they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith Jesus said to the paralytic, "Take courage, my child; your sins are pardoned."
3
"Such language is impious," said some of the Scribes among themselves.
4
Knowing their thoughts Jesus said, "Why are you cherishing evil thoughts in your hearts?
5
Why, which is easier? --to say, `Your sins are pardoned,' or to say `Rise up and walk'?
6
But, to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to pardon sins" --He then says to the paralytic, "Rise, and take up your bed and go home."
7
And he got up, and went off home.
8
And the crowds were awe-struck when they saw it, and ascribed the glory to God who had entrusted such power to a man.
9
Passing on thence Jesus saw a man called Matthew sitting at the Toll Office, and said to him, "Follow me." And he arose, and followed Him.
10
And while He was reclining at table, a large number of tax-gathers and notorious sinners were of the party with Jesus and His disciples.