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Chapter 11 - The Baptist's Question

1. It happened that after Jmmanuel had finished giving such directives to his twelve disciples, he continued on from there, teaching and preaching in their cities.

2. When John in prison heard about the works of Jmmanuel, he sent forth his disciples to him and had them say,

3. "Are you the one who is to come, the king of wisdom, as foretold by the prophets, or should we wait for another?"

4. Jmmanuel answered and said to them, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see:

5. "The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise, and the truth of knowledge is proclaimed to those who seek it.

6. "And blessed are those who are not offended by my teachings.

Testimony about the Baptist

7. As they were leaving, Jmmanuel began to speak to the people of John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see?

8. "Did you expect to see a reed blowing to and fro in the wind?

9. "Or, what did you go out to see?

10. "Did you expect to see a man clothed in soft raiment?

11. "Behold, those who wear soft raiment are in kings' houses with the rulers and the rich, and with the hypocrites, scribes and priests.

12. "Or what did you go out for?

13. "Did you expect to see a prophet?

14. "Yes, I tell you, he is more than a prophet.

15. "This is he of whom it is written, 'Behold, I will send my messenger before you, who shall prepare your way before you.

16. "Truly, I say to you, among all those born of women, no one has arisen who is greater than John the Baptist.

17. "But now, in the days of John the Baptist, the Earth suffers from violence, and those who commit violence are devastating it.

18. "For all prophets and the law have foretold up to the time of John.

19. "And if you wish to accept it, he is Elisha, who was to come again in his next life.

20. "Those who have ears, let them hear!

In Praise of the Spirit and the Knowledge