Studies 1 to 4
- 1The Presentation to Pontius PilateThe last day until the crucifixionMatthew 27.1-2
- 2The tragic end of Judas IscariotThe last day up to the crucifixionMatthew 27.3-9
- 3Presentation to "King" AntipasThe last day until the crucifixionLuke 23.6-12
- 4Back before Pontius PilateThe last day up to the crucifixionLuke 23.6-12
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PER341
The presentation to Pontius Pilate
Pericope PER341 reconstructs the presentation of Jesus before Pontius Pilate on Friday morning, around 6:45 a.m., after his nighttime condemnation by the Sanhedrin. Cross-referencing Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the article analyzes the precise chronology, the role of Caiaphas, the refusal of the religious leaders to enter the Praetorium, and the dialogue between Jesus and Pilate, the only one empowered to pronounce a capital sentence.
Mark 15.1-5 (King James Version) :And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER342
The tragic end of Judas Iscariot
Only Matthew reports the tragic end of Judas Iscariot. After Jesus is condemned, overwhelmed with remorse, Judas throws the thirty pieces of silver into the sanctuary of the Temple and takes his own life. The priests use this money to buy the potter’s field, called Hakeldama. This episode illustrates the irreversibility of betrayal and the despair of a man unable to accept forgiveness.
Mark 14.72 (King James Version) :And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER343
Presentation to “king” Antipas
Jesus is sent by Pilate before Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee, who is in Jerusalem. Fascinated by the spectacular, Herod hopes for a miracle but meets with Jesus’ total silence. Offended, he mocks him, puts a splendid robe on him and sends him back to Pilate. Ironically, this episode reconciles Pilate and Herod. Only Luke reports this appearance (Luke 23.6-12), which took place around 7:30 a.m. on the Friday morning of the Passion.
John 3.16-17 (King James Version) :For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER344
The Return before Pontius Pilate
Pericope PER344 analyzes Jesus’ return before Pontius Pilate after his appearance before Herod Antipas, an episode reported only by Luke. Pilate, finding no fault deserving death under Roman law, tries to resist the pressure of the Jewish religious leaders. The article offers a precise chronological reconstruction of the morning of the Friday of the Passion and raises the linguistic question of the exchanges between Jesus and Pilate, which were most likely held in Greek.
Luke 23.13-25 (King James Version) :And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.I will therefore chastise him, and release him.(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org