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SCRIPTURES
Chapter 49
Cephas goes fishing – A stranger on the shore – Miracle of the fishes – Yeshua feeds
the disciples – “Simon, do you love me? – Lord, what shall these do?”
1 Now Cephas returned unto Capernaum and many of the apostles with him, and there began to gather on the shores of the sea a great many disciples which heard of the Lord being raised from the grave.
2 But Cephas was filled with bitterness and sorrow against himself, and he would not be numbered any longer among the brethren, for he felt unworthy.
3 And there was gathered unto Cephas to comfort him, James and John the sons of Zebedee, and Nathaniel of Cana, Thomas Zelotes, and John the scribe who was come up from Jerusalem; and it was in the spring of the year.
4 And Cephas spoke unto them, saying: “I go fishing.” And all which were gathered unto him, said: “We also would go after you.”
5 And entering the boat at eventide they went out into the waters fishing with their nets, and that night they caught nothing at all.
6 But when it was early morning, Yeshua came and stood on the shore; but the disciples knew not that it was the Lord, but supposed that he was a buyer which was come from the market.
7 And seeing that the boat was a little ways off from the shore, the Lord called in a loud voice, saying: “Children, have you caught any fish?” They answered him, “No.”
8 Then did the Lord speak unto them, saying: “Cast your nets on the right side of the boat and you shall find in abundance.”
9 When they heard this, they cast their nets into the waters of the sea and immediately their nets were filled with fish; evensomuch that they were unable to draw up the nets for the weight of the fishes was great.
10 And that John which was come from Jerusalem, spoke unto Cephas, saying: “It is the Lord.”
11 When, therefore, Cephas saw that it was the Lord which stood upon the shore, he did cast himself into the waters of the sea to swim unto him.
12 And the disciples which were in the boat came unto the shore, dragging their nets behind them.
13 And the word went forth that the Master was come, and there gathered unto the Lord a great many souls; and when they drew near unto the Lord, they saw a fire of coals and fish laid upon it, and bread in plenty.
14 And the Lord spoke unto the disciples, saying: “Come and sup with me.” And they sat themselves down and the Lord did serve them.
15 Now when the disciples were finished eating, the Lord took Cephas aside unto himself, saying: “Simon, Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me more than these?”
16 He answered the Lord, saying: “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” The Lord said unto him: “Then feed my lambs.”
17 The Lord asked him again the second time, saying: “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?”
18 Again he answered the Lord, saying: “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” The Lord said again unto him, “Then feed my sheep.”
19 The Lord asked Cephas the third time, saying: “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?” And Cephas wept before the Lord, saying: “Lord, have mercy on me, for you know all things; you know that I love you.”
20 Yeshua said unto him: “Then feed my sheep. I tell you truly Cephas, that when you are young you do clothe yourself and go wheresoever you will.
21 But when you are old, then shall another gird you with strong bindings, and take you where you would not go. But fear not those which are able to kill the body only, for the soul of man perishes not.”
22 And Cephas, hearing this, turned to look upon the disciples which were gathered by the sea, and he spoke unto Yeshua, saying: “Lord, what shall these do?”
23 And the Lord said unto him: “What is that to you? You follow me, and commit these others unto God. Go now and gather the disciples unto me; for I have somewhat to say unto them.”