Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, died, and having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: and the second took her to wife, and he died childless. And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her to wife. And Jesus answering said unto them,
Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God? The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: but they which shall be
[278]accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels of God in heaven; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living; for all live unto him. Ye therefore do greatly err.
And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine. Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said. And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.
CHAPTER LVII.
JESUS ANSWERS SADDUCEES AND PHARISEES—WIDOWS OFFERING.
BUT when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. And one of the scribes which was a lawyer, came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Which is the First commandment of all?