← Study of the Four Gospels

  1. Parable of the Two Servants

    This article discusses the parable of the two servants told by Jesus, illustrating what is expected of the faithful and the severe judgment of the unfaithful. It addresses responsibilities proportionate to knowledge of God, also mentioning the parables of the talents and the minas.

    Luke 19.11-27 (King James Version) :
    And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
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  2. The plot against the Messiah Jesus

    The plot against Jesus is devised by the religious authorities before the Passover, with Judas’s help. Caiaphas convenes the Sanhedrin to condemn Jesus, regarded as a threat, by using false witnesses. Pilate is informed so as to facilitate the arrest on the Mount of Olives.

    Matthew 26.1-5 (King James Version) :
    And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
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  3. Judas Iscariot, the traitor, is identified

    This article explores the betrayal of Judas Iscariot at the last Passover meal with Jesus. By analyzing the Gospel accounts, it highlights the disciples’ reactions and the theological implications of this crucial event in Jerusalem.

    Mark 14.18-21 (King James Version) :
    And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
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  4. The Messiah Jesus blesses little children

    The article examines how Jesus blesses the children, at Bethany, after the Feast of Dedication. This event is described in the synoptic gospels, illustrating the importance of children in the Kingdom of God despite the disciples’ reluctance.

    John 11.1-53 (King James Version) :
    Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judæa again.His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.Jesus wept.Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
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  5. The parable of the rich fool

    The article explores the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12.13-21. Jesus teaches about the futility of material wealth, inviting people to prioritize spiritual riches. The parable warns against greed and encourages living with eternity in view. The audience includes Pharisees and people of modest means.

    Luke 12.13-21 (King James Version) :
    And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
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  6. The healing of the woman with bleeding

    Pericope 154 recounts the healing of a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years, as reported by Matthew, Mark and Luke. In Capernaum, she discreetly touches the garment of Jesus on his way to Jairus' house. Healed instantly, she is publicly acknowledged by Jesus, who declares: 'Your faith has saved you.' The article compares the three Synoptic accounts and explores the theological, christological and social significance of this miracle of faith.

    Leviticus 15.25-27 (King James Version) :
    And if a woman have an issue of her blood many days out of the time of her separation, or if it run beyond the time of her separation; all the days of the issue of her uncleanness shall be as the days of her separation: she shall be unclean.Every bed whereon she lieth all the days of her issue shall be unto her as the bed of her separation: and whatsoever she sitteth upon shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her separation.And whosoever toucheth those things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
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  7. Instruction on prayer

    Pericope PER224 presents Jesus’ instruction on prayer, given on the Mount of Olives in December AD 32. Drawing on Matthew 6.9-13 and Luke 11.1-4, it examines the Lord’s Prayer in two distinct contexts. Luke places the episode near Jerusalem, after the visit to Bethany and before the healing of a possessed man. The disciples, some of whom had followed John the Baptist, ask Jesus to teach them to pray.

    Luke 11.15 (King James Version) :
    But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.
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  8. The parable of the persistent friend

    The parable of the importunate friend (Luke 11.5-13), unique to the Gospel of Luke, follows the teaching of the Our Father. In it, Jesus teaches perseverance in prayer: if a friend finally gives in to insistence, how much more generously will God give to those who pray to him in faith, even offering the Holy Spirit to those who ask.

    Luke 11.5-13 (King James Version) :
    And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
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  9. The parable of the barren fig tree

    The parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13.6-9), reported only by Luke, illustrates God’s patience and the urgency of conversion. Jesus warns that every disciple who bears no spiritual fruit risks judgment, while emphasizing that God grants an additional time of grace. This text follows on from Luke 13.1-5 and carries a twofold message: a solemn warning and divine mercy.

    John 9.1-3 (King James Version) :
    And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
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  10. The Parable of the King Preparing for War

    The parable of the king preparing for war (Luke 14.31-33), recorded only by Luke, illustrates the demands of discipleship. Facing an adversary twice as powerful, a king chooses negotiation over battle. In the same way, following Jesus the Messiah requires clear-sightedness, humility and complete renunciation of self. Luke places this teaching within a thematic series on the cost of the Christian life, before the Feast of Dedication in December AD 32.

    Luke 14.31 (King James Version) :
    Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
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  11. The Curiosity of the People and the Jealousy of the Religious Leaders

    The article explores how the people, welcoming Jesus’ message, contrast with the jealousy and opposition of the religious authorities. The Pharisees, fearing the loss of their influence, were often antagonistic, despite Jesus’ openness and compassion toward the marginalized and sinners.

    John 7.46 (King James Version) :
    The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
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  12. The Messiah Jesus Announces His Second Coming

    The article analyzes Luke 17:22-37, in which Jesus announces his second coming. Unlike the discourse on the Mount of Olives, this unique teaching warns against false messiahs and illustrates the suddenness of his coming through references to the days of Noah and Lot.

    Mark 13.1-26 (King James Version) :
    And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.And the gospel must first be published among all nations.But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judæa flee to the mountains:And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
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  13. Attempted arrest

    The article examines the attempt by the Jewish religious authorities to arrest Jesus, according to John 10.31-39. Accused of blasphemy for his divine claims, Jesus defends his works as proof of his divine mission. He cites Scripture to demonstrate the legitimacy of his role, finally escaping arrest because his hour had not yet come.

    Psalms 82.6 (King James Version) :
    I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
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  14. Departure for Bethany beyond the Jordan

    The study recounts Jesus’ journey from Jerusalem to Bethany, with stops at Bethany beyond the Jordan and Jericho, where he performs miracles. Deliberately delayed, Jesus arrives and raises Lazarus, triggering a reaction from the religious authorities.

    Luke 19.1-10 (King James Version) :
    And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.And, behold, there was a man named Zacchæus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
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  15. The parable of the two sons

    The parable of the two sons (Matt 21,28-32), recorded only by Matthew, takes place in the Temple of Jerusalem during Jesus’ last week. It contrasts two attitudes: promising without acting versus refusing and then obeying. Jesus unmasks the hypocrisy of the religious leaders and announces that repentant sinners enter the Kingdom ahead of them. A universal call to humility and sincere repentance.

    Mark 12.37 (King James Version) :
    David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.
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  16. The Messiahship of Jesus

    At the Temple court in Jerusalem, on the Tuesday before his Passion, Jesus questions the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah. Citing Psalm 110, he reveals that the Messiah is both Son of David according to the flesh and eternal Lord according to his divinity, confounding his opponents, who are left without an answer. A fundamental Christological statement about the dual nature of Jesus.

    Luke 20.41-44 (King James Version) :
    And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David’s son?And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?
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  17. Encouragement to Vigilance

    This article studies Jesus' call to vigilance, delivered on the Mount of Olives, stressing the uncertainty of his return and the need for an active and faithful watchfulness on the part of believers.

    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.
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  18. The Institution of the Lord’s Supper

    This article presents the Lord’s Supper as a key moment, when Jesus transforms the Passover meal into a symbol of his ultimate sacrifice, announcing a new spiritual covenant for the forgiveness of sins.

    Luke 22.14-23 (King James Version) :
    And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
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  19. The Promise of the Holy Spirit

    The article examines Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit in John 14.16-31. Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure, promising the Spirit of truth as the living bond between Christ and the Church. This text illustrates Jesus’ perfect obedience to the divine plan and his love shown by sending the Comforter.

    John 18.28 (King James Version) :
    Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
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  20. The release of a prisoner

    During the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor tries to use the Passover custom of releasing a prisoner in order to avoid condemning Jesus. He offers the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious criminal, convinced that the people will make the right choice. His wife's intervention strengthens his hesitation. This scene, attested by all four gospels, illustrates the manipulation by the religious authorities and theologically prefigures redemptive substitution.

    Matthew 27.22 (King James Version) :
    Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
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  21. The relentlessness of the Sanhedrin, official condemnation

    PER346 analyzes the official condemnation of Jesus by Pontius Pilate under the relentless pressure of the Sanhedrin. In Jerusalem, on Friday morning, the crowd, manipulated by the religious leaders, demands crucifixion. Pilate, politically trapped, yields despite the absence of any valid charge. The study addresses the irregularities of the trial and the chronological question of the 'sixth hour' in John 19.14, through a synoptic approach to the four Gospels.

    Matthew 27.20-25 (King James Version) :
    But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
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  22. Words to the women

    On the road to Golgotha, Jesus speaks to the women of Jerusalem who are weeping for him. Far from focusing on his own suffering, he prophetically warns them of a terrible judgment about to fall on the city. An episode unique to Luke, it reveals Jesus as a great prophet, concerned to the very end with the salvation of others, and announces the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

    Matthew 27.32 (King James Version) :
    And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
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  23. The Crucifixion

    Pericope PER352 analyzes the crucifixion of Jesus on Mount Golgotha through the four Gospels. It places the event around 9 a.m. on a Friday morning, examines the fulfillment of prophecies (Isaiah 53,12; Psalm 22,19), the technical details of the crucifixion, the royal inscription and the mockery of the witnesses. A rigorous synoptic reading that links history, chronology and theology.

    Matthew 27.38 (King James Version) :
    Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
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