The life of Jesus up to the age of 12 1 study
The ministry of John the Baptist 1 study
The beginning of the ministry in Galilee 3 studies
From the second to the third Passover festival 3 studies
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 2 studies
The last day up to the crucifixion 2 studies
Contradictions 2 studies
Historical notes 1 study
The life of Jesus up to the age of 12
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PER026
Joseph's fourth and final dream
Joseph receives divine instructions in a dream, leading him to return to Nazareth with his family rather than Bethlehem. Matthew emphasises that this decision fulfils the prophecy that Jesus will be called a Nazarene.
Matthew 2.22-23 (King James Version) :But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The ministry of John the Baptist
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PER044
John the Baptist’s arrest
The article explores John the Baptist’s arrest by Herod Antipas, illustrating a major transition from John’s ministry to that of Jesus as the sole acknowledged Messiah. The event, probably in AD 30, is a crucial turning point in the religious context of the time, highlighted by references to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
John 3.24 (King James Version) :For John was not yet cast into prison.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The beginning of the ministry in Galilee
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PER045
From Judea to Galilee
Jesus leaves Judea for Galilee after John’s arrest, not out of fear but to begin his ministry fully. This marks a transition towards Galilee, where he receives a more favourable welcome.
Matthew 4.12 (King James Version) :Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER052
The beginning of the preaching in Galilee
Pericope PER052 marks the official beginning of Jesus’ preaching in Galilee after John the Baptist’s arrest. Matthew emphasises continuity between John’s message and Jesus’ message, both calling for repentance. This decisive turning point, placed in Capernaum around February–March 31, confirms the fulfilment of messianic prophecies and Jesus’ full entry into his public ministry.
Matthew 4.17 (King James Version) :From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER053
The king’s officer at Cana in Galilee
Pericope 53 recounts the miracle Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee for a royal officer who came from Capernaum because of his sick son (John 4:46–54). Dated to February–March 31, this episode is the second Johannine sign performed at Cana. The officer’s identity remains uncertain, but the author favours Roman origins, illustrating the universality of salvation in John’s theology. This man must not be confused with the centurion in pericope 110.
John 4.46-54 (King James Version) :So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judæa into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judæa into Galilee.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the second to the third Passover festival
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PER163
Death of John the Baptist
Pericope 163 analyzes Herod Antipas's reaction to the fame of Jesus, whom he identifies with John the Baptist risen from the dead. Through a synoptic comparison of Matthew 14.1-2, Mark 6.14-16 and Luke 9.7-9, the article explores the convergences and differences between the three accounts, the political context in Galilee in March AD 32, and the weight of Herod's guilt after the murder of John the Baptist.
Mark 6.14-16 (King James Version) :And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER164
Recalling the arrest of John the Baptist
Pericope PER164 recalls the circumstances of John the Baptist's arrest, as recounted by Matthew (14.3-5) and Mark (6.17-20). John was imprisoned for publicly denouncing the unlawful marriage of Herod Antipas to Herodias, the former wife of his brother. Mark offers a nuanced portrait of Herod, ambivalent and fascinated by John, whereas Matthew stresses his fear of the crowd. It is Herodias who pushes for the prophet's death; he was held at Machaerus in March AD 32.
Deuteronomy 24.1-4 (King James Version) :When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.Notesome…: Heb. matter of nakednessNotedivorcement: Heb. cutting offAnd when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife.And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife;Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER165
Reminder of the circumstances of the murder of John the Baptist
Pericope 165 analyzes the circumstances of the murder of John the Baptist according to Matthew (14.6-12) and Mark (6.21-29). In Galilee, in March AD 32, Herod Antipas yields to the manipulation of Herodias through Salome's dance and has the prophet beheaded. The article highlights the parallel between the martyrdom of John and that of Jesus, two messianic figures unjustly condemned and laid in a tomb.
Mark 6.21-29 (King James Version) :And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath’s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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PER186
Teaching the disciples about the influence of the Pharisees
Jesus warns his apostles against the pernicious influence of the Pharisees, symbolized by the “leaven.” Matthew and Mark relate this teaching during a crossing toward Bethsaida, where the disciples have run short of bread. Jesus points out their lack of faith, inviting them to grasp the spiritual import of his words beyond material concerns.
Mark 8.14-21 (King James Version) :Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER233
Teachings of the Messiah Jesus on the road to Jerusalem
The pericope PER233 recounts the teachings of Jesus during his journey to Jerusalem, reported only by Luke (Lk 13.22-33), in December AD 32. Jesus passes through towns and villages, teaching about the narrow gate and the Kingdom of God. The article places these repeated journeys between Bethany and Jerusalem in context, amid growing tension with the Pharisees and Herod Antipas.
Luke 13.32 (King James Version) :And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The last day up to the crucifixion
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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.
Matthew 27.1-2 (King James Version) :When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.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 23.6-12 (King James Version) :When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilæan.And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Contradictions
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CTD016
John the Baptist risen from the dead?
Article CTD016 examines the alleged contradiction between Matthew 14.2, Mark 6.14 and Luke 9.7-9 concerning Herod Antipas' opinion of Jesus. Luke portrays Herod as uncertain, while Matthew and Mark report his private statement identifying Jesus with John the Baptist raised from the dead. The author demonstrates that there is no contradiction but a complementary narrative, explained by the publishing constraints of the first century.
Matthew 14.1-2 (King James Version) :At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
CTD035
Did Herod want to kill John the Baptist?
The article examines the Gospels of Matthew and Mark on the question of whether Herod Antipas really wanted to kill John the Baptist. Each Gospel presents a different but complementary perspective: Matthew describes Herod's desire to kill him as tempered by fear of the crowd, while Mark emphasizes Herodias's influence and Herod's fascination with John. This analysis portrays a Herod torn between his emotions and external pressures.
Mark 6.21-28 (King James Version) :And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath’s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Historical notes
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INF004
The Romans
This article traces Roman rule over Israel from 63 BC to AD 135. It presents the key figures of power at the time of Jesus’ ministry: Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas and Caiaphas. It mentions the destruction of the Temple in 70 and the transformation of Jerusalem into Aelia Capitolina under Hadrian, providing essential historical context for understanding the Gospels.
Luke 23.12 (King James Version) :And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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ANN008
The Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew is the work of the apostle, a former tax collector from Capernaum, chosen by the Twelve to record their collective testimony. He seeks to show…
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ANN060
The city of Sepphoris
L'article dissèque le rôle clé de Sépphoris en Galilée, proche de Nazareth, et sa signification culturelle et historique, bien que non mentionnée dans les…
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ANN071
The town of Capernaum
The article explores Capernaum, a city of Galilee established on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias, known for having been the "headquarters" of Jesus after…