DAVIDICAL DESCENT OF JESUS, ACCORDING TO THE GENEALOGICAL TABLES OF MATTHEW AND LUKE.

§ 20. [The two genealogies of Jesus considered separately and irrespectively of one another] 108
21. [Comparison of the two genealogies. Attempt to reconcile their contradictions] 112
22. [The genealogies unhistorical] 117

CHAPTER III.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE CONCEPTION OF JESUS.—ITS SUPERNATURAL CHARACTER.—VISIT OF MARY TO ELIZABETH.

§ 23. [Sketch of the different canonical and apocryphal accounts] 119
24. [Disagreements of the canonical gospels in relation to the form of the annunciation] 121
25. [Import of the angel’s message. Fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah] 126
26. [Jesus begotten of the Holy Ghost. Criticism of the orthodox opinion] 130
27. [Retrospect of the genealogies] 132
28. [Natural explanation of the history of the conception] 137
29. [History of the conception of Jesus viewed as a mythus] 140
30. [Relation of Joseph to Mary. Brothers of Jesus] 143
31. [Visit of Mary to Elizabeth] 148

CHAPTER IV.

BIRTH AND EARLIEST EVENTS OF THE LIFE OF JESUS.

§ 32. [The census] 152
33. [Particular circumstances of the birth of Jesus. The circumcision] 156
34. [The Magi and their star. The flight into Egypt, and the murder of the children in Bethlehem. Criticism of the supranaturalistic view] 162
35. [Attempts at a natural explanation of the history of the Magi. Transition to the mythical explanation] 169
36. [The purely mythical explanation of the narrative concerning the Magi, and of the events with which it is connected] 173
37. [Chronological relation between the visit of the Magi, together with the flight into Egypt, and the presentation in the temple recorded by Luke] 178
38. [The presentation of Jesus in the temple] 181
39. [Retrospect. Difference between Matthew and Luke as to the original residence of the parents of Jesus] 184

CHAPTER V.

THE FIRST VISIT TO THE TEMPLE, AND THE EDUCATION OF JESUS.