Thomas Jefferson [prior to 1902] (Public Domain Image)

The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth

(The Jefferson Bible)

by Thomas Jefferson

[1902]

Contents Start Reading Page Index Text [Zipped]

This is Thomas Jefferson's attempt at editing the Gospels into a single, coherent narrative. The text here focuses on the attributed words of Jesus: chiefly the Sermon on the Mount and the parables. Jefferson highlights the ideas of the Gospels, rather than miracles and wonder stories. For instance, Jefferson ends the story with Jesus' burial: there is no resurrection in this tale, and no post-death interaction with the disciples. This edition contains a very short section with some other writings of Jefferson on religion.

Production notes: The table of texts has been cross-linked with the King James Version of the Bible at this site.

Title Page
Preface
A Table of the Texts
Facsimile Page from Jefferson's Bible
Religious Views of Thomas Jefferson
I. Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem, Where Jesus is Born
II. He is Circumcised and Named and they Return to Nazareth
III. At Twelve Years of Age He Accompanies his Parents to Jerusalem and Returns
IV. John Baptizes in Jordan
V. Jesus is Baptized at 30 Years of Age
VI. Drives the Traders Out of the Temple
VII. He Baptizes, but Retires into Galilee on the Death of John
VIII. He Teaches in the Synagogue
IX. Explains the Sabbath
X. Call of His Disciples
XI. The Sermon on the Mount
XII. Exhorts
XIII. A Woman Annointeth Him
XIV. Precepts
XV. Parable of the Rich Man
XVI. Precepts
XVII. Parable of the Fig Tree
XVIII. Precepts
XIX. Parable of the Sower
XX. Precepts
XXI. Parable of the Tares
XXII. Precepts
XXIII. Parable of New Wine in Old Bottles
XXIV. A Prophet Hath no Honor in his Own Country
XXV. Mission Instructions, Return of Apostles
XXVI. Precepts
XXVII. Parable of the Wicked Servant
XXVIII. Mission of the Seventy
XXIX. The Feast of the Tabernacles
XXX. The Woman Taken in Adultery
XXXI. To be Born Blind No Proof of Sin
XXXII. The Good Shepherd
XXXIII. Love God and Thy Neighbour; Parable of the Samaritan
XXXIV. Form of Prayer
XXXV. The Sabbath
XXXVI. The Bidden to a Feast
XXXVII. Precepts
XXXVIII. Parables of the Lost Sheep and Prodigal Son
XXXIX. Parable of the Unjust Steward
XL. Parable of Lazarus
XLI. Precepts to be Always Ready
XLII. Parables of the Widow and Judge, the Pharisee and Publican
XLIII. Precepts
XLIV. Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard
XLV. Zacchaeus, and the Parable of the Talents
XLVI. Goes to Jerusalem and Bethany
XLVII. The Traders Cast Out from the Temple
XLVIII. Parable of the Two Sons
XLIX. Parable of the Vineyard and Husbandmen
L. Parable of the King and the Wedding
XL. Tribute, Marriage, Resurrection
LII. The Two Commandments
LIII. Precepts, Pride, Hypocrisy, Swearing
LIV. The Widow's Mite
LV. Jerusalem and the Day of Judgment
LVI. The Faithful and Wise Servant
LVII. Parable of the Ten Virgins
LVIII. Parable of the Talents
LIX. The Day of Judgment
LX. A Woman Anointeth Him
LXI. Judas Undertakes to Point Out Jesus
XLII. Precepts to His Disciples, Washes their Feet. Trouble of Mind and Prayer.
LXIII. Judas Conducts the Officers to Jesus
LXIV. He is Arrested and Carried Before Caiaphas, the High Priest and is Condemned
LXV. Is then Carried to Pilate
LXVI. Who Sends Him to Herod
LXVII. Receives Him Back, Scourges and Delivers Him to Execution
LXVIII. His Crucifixion, Death, and Burial
LXIX. His Burial