From the second to the third Passover festival 2 studies
The last week before the arrest 6 studies
- 3The arrival of the Jews from the city of Jerusalem
- 4Mary of Bethany anoints the Messiah Jesus
- 5The betrayal of Judas Iscariot
- 6The return to Bethany
- 7Announcement of the Destruction of Jerusalem
The last day up to the crucifixion 8 studies
- 9The last meal before the crucifixion
- 10The Departure of Judas Iscariot
- 11Jesus the Messiah speaks of his coming death
- 12The Messiah Jesus and his disciples sing the psalms
- 13The band led by Judas Iscariot arrives
Contradictions 5 studies
Peter's ministry 1 study
Word of a Friend 1 study
From the second to the third Passover festival
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PER080
The choosing of the 12 Apostles
Jesus chooses twelve disciples from among his followers and gives them the title of apostles, a Greek term meaning ‘sent on a mission’. This choice, made after a night of prayer, corresponds to the number of Israel's tribes. The Twelve receive authority to heal and proclaim salvation, forming the foundation of the future Church. The article explores the term's etymology, Jesus' prayer, the question of his omniscience and the case of Judas Iscariot.
Matthew 10.1-4 (King James Version) :And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER083
Warning about coming persecutions
Jesus warns his disciples of future persecutions, revealing the spiritual and difficult nature of their mission. This teaching, based on Matthew's Gospel, aims to prepare the apostles for the spiritual and physical challenges of ministry.
Matthew 10.24-42 (King James Version) :The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The last week before the arrest
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PER276
The arrival of the Jews from the city of Jerusalem
The article deals with the arrival of Jews at Bethany to see Jesus as the Passion draws near. Faced with his growing popularity, the religious authorities consider having him arrested, while Judas’s betrayal is being prepared.
John 12.9-11 (King James Version) :Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER277
Mary of Bethany anoints the Messiah Jesus
Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus with costly perfume at Bethany, symbolizing his coming burial. This act, criticized by Judas Iscariot and other disciples, is defended by Jesus and highlighted in the analysis of the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark and John. The text also discusses the chronological and communal implications of this biblical event.
Matthew 26.6-13 (King James Version) :Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER278
The betrayal of Judas Iscariot
The article explores the betrayal of Judas Iscariot toward Jesus, an act motivated by a feeling of incompatibility and frustration. Judas, knowing that the authorities are seeking to arrest Jesus, collaborates with them to denounce Jesus, in exchange for 30 pieces of silver. The article analyzes the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark and Luke, which describe Judas’s actions and their impact on the events leading to Jesus’s arrest.
Matthew 26.2 (King James Version) :Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER281
The return to Bethany
After his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus leaves the city in the evening to return to Bethany with his twelve disciples, including Judas. Related mainly by Mark (11.11) and Matthew (21.17), this episode, set on Sunday, March 27, AD 33, illustrates the rhythm of the last week: days at the Temple, nights near Bethany. The disciples use these journeys to ask their Master about the meaning of his messianic acts.
Mark 11.11 (King James Version) :And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER283
Announcement of the Destruction of Jerusalem
In Luke 19.41-44, Jesus approaches Jerusalem, weeps over the city and foretells with precision its future destruction by the Romans in AD 70. Only Luke reports this episode in this form. Jesus laments that Jerusalem did not recognize its divine visitation. This passage reveals both the compassion of the Messiah and the gravity of rejecting divine revelation, and it belongs to the last week before his arrest.
John 12.23-27 (King James Version) :And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER308
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.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The last day up to the crucifixion
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PER310
The last meal before the crucifixion
This article explores Jesus’ “last meal,” highlighting his institution of the Lord’s Supper. It takes place on Thursday evening before the crucifixion, in the house of Mary in Jerusalem. The Gospels record this meal as symbolically significant, with Judas leaving to betray him. The meal is crucial to Christian identity.
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.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER315
The Departure of Judas Iscariot
The article explores the dramatic departure of Judas Iscariot during the last Passover meal, described essentially in the Gospel of John. This moment, steeped in symbolism, marks the progress of the redemptive drama leading to the arrest of Jesus, highlighting the complexity of Jesus' gesture of offering bread to Judas, at once an act of grace and of judgment.
John 13.26 (King James Version) :Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER324
Jesus the Messiah speaks of his coming death
The article deals with the passage in which Jesus announces his coming death, giving his disciples words of comfort and assurance of victory over evil through the resurrection.
John 16.16-33 (King James Version) :A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER326
The Messiah Jesus and his disciples sing the psalms
The article examines the singing of the psalms by Jesus and his disciples after the Passover. Rooted in Jewish tradition, this moment takes on a particular spiritual significance for Jesus, as a prelude to his crucifixion.
Acts 16.25-26 (King James Version) :And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER330
The band led by Judas Iscariot arrives
This article deals with the arrest of Jesus by Judas Iscariot in the garden of Gethsemane, as described in the Gospels. It analyzes the context and implications of this key event in the passion of Jesus, exploring the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Matthew 26.47-56 (King James Version) :And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER331
The arrest
This article deals with the arrest of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane as related in the Gospels. It highlights Judas's betrayal and the soldiers' reaction to Jesus' declaration, revealing his mastery of the situation.
Luke 22.47-53 (King James Version) :And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER332
The rebellion of the disciple Peter and the healing of Malchus
This article explores the arrest of Jesus at Gethsemane, where Peter, in an impulsive gesture, cuts off Malchus's ear. Jesus calms the situation by healing Malchus, thereby underlining his divine mission and rejecting violence, in keeping with the Scriptures. He shows his control and divine love even toward those who arrest him.
Matthew 26.51-54 (King James Version) :And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER333
The words of Jesus the Messiah to the crowd at the arrest
This article examines the arrest of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, highlighting his serenity and his willingness to fulfill the divine plan. Through his words, he exposes the contradictions of the religious authorities and underscores his mastery of the situation, revealing his redemptive mission out of love for humanity.
John 18.2 (King James Version) :And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Contradictions
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CTD022
Judas's kiss?
The article discusses narrative differences between the Gospels concerning Judas kissing Jesus. Matthew, Mark, and Luke explicitly recount the event, while John omits it, offering another perspective. This difference is seen as complementary, enriching understanding of Jesus' arrest.
Luke 22.47-48 (King James Version) :And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
CTD030
Judas's pay?
The article analyses an apparent contradiction in the Bible concerning the use of Judas' money. The Gospels present two perspectives on responsibility for, and attribution of, the purchase of a field, emphasising that there is no genuine contradiction but a coherent account that is more symbolic than literal.
Matthew 27.6-7 (King James Version) :And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
CTD031
The death of Judas?
This article examines Judas Iscariot's death, described differently in Matthew and Acts. Although these accounts seem contradictory, reading them together shows that they complement each other. Matthew speaks of Judas' hanging, while Acts describes the fall of his body, forming a coherent account.
Acts 1.18 (King James Version) :Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
CTD032
The field of blood?
The article analyzes why the "Field of Blood" bears that name, drawing on the accounts in Matthew and Acts. These accounts do not contradict one another but offer theological and popular perspectives: the purchase with "blood money" and Judas's death.
Acts 1.19 (King James Version) :And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
CTD038
The exact day of the last Passover meal?
The article explores apparent differences between the Gospels concerning the chronology of the crucifixion in relation to Passover. Different Jewish calendars explain these differences, leading to the conclusion that the texts are compatible.
John 13.29-30 (King James Version) :For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Peter's ministry
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ADA025
The appointment of the Seven and the organization of the early Church
Acts 6,1-7 relates the first internal crisis of the Jerusalem Church, linked to the unequal distribution to the widows. To remedy it, the Twelve propose appointing seven men full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom. This foundational decision distinguishes the ministries while affirming their complementarity, and is accompanied by remarkable growth of the nascent Christian community.
Acts 2.42 (King James Version) :And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Word of a Friend
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PDA017
Without me you can do nothing
The article explores John 15.5, stressing that Christians must depend on Jesus the Messiah in order to bear spiritual fruit. Even though achievements may occur without faith, it is by living connected to Jesus that the disciple accomplishes meaningful things.
Luke 10.20 (King James Version) :Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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ANN032
Judas Iscariot, One of the Twelve
Judas Iscariot, famous for his betrayal, is examined in this article, which explores his selection as one of the twelve apostles and the theological implications…
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ANN047
Origins of the 12 apostles
The appendix ANN047 studies the origin of the twelve apostles on the basis of the four canonical lists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts). It analyzes the convergences and divergences between…