From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 2 studies
The last week before the arrest 1 study
The last day up to the crucifixion 14 studies
- 4The presentation to Pontius Pilate
- 5Presentation to “king” Antipas
- 6The Return before Pontius Pilate
- 7The release of a prisoner
- 8The relentlessness of the Sanhedrin, official condemnation
Reliability of the Scriptures and other doctrinal topics 1 study
Historical notes 3 studies
Word of a Friend 1 study
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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PER222
The Good Samaritan
Pericope PER222 presents the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10.25-37), told by Jesus in response to a teacher of the Law who wanted to trap him. Set in Bethany beyond the Jordan in November AD 32, this parable teaches that the true "neighbor" is defined not by religion or culture, but by the act of mercy. The despised Samaritan becomes the model of compassion, a symbolic figure of the Messiah himself coming to the rescue of wounded humanity.
Matthew 19.16-22 (King James Version) :And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER229
Reminder of the massacre of the Galileans by Pilate
Pericope PER229 (Luke 13,1-5) recounts how witnesses of a Pharisee's meal confronted Jesus about the massacre of Galileans by Pilate. Jesus refuses to see in it a divine punishment and calls for personal repentance, also citing the fall of the tower of Siloam. He teaches that death is the common lot of all, and that only repentance opens the way to the Kingdom of God.
Luke 13.3 (King James Version) :I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The last week before the arrest
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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.
Mark 14.1-2 (King James Version) :After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The last day up to the crucifixion
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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.
John 18.27 (King James Version) :Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.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.
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 -
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.
John 18.39-40 (King James Version) :But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER345
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.
Mark 15.6-19 (King James Version) :Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?And they cried out again, Crucify him.Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Prætorium; and they call together the whole band.And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER346
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 27.45 (King James Version) :Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER347
The various abuses and the flogging
PER347 analyzes the scourging and the abuse inflicted on Jesus in the praetorium of Pontius Pilate, on the Friday morning of the Passion. A standardized Roman practice preceding crucifixion, this punishment is accompanied by the soldiers’ mockery (crown of thorns, purple robe). The article compares the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in a synoptic approach, highlighting Roman institutional violence and the dignity Jesus retained despite the outrages.
John 18.39-40 (King James Version) :But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER348
Pilate’s Efforts to Save Jesus
The pericope PER348 examines Pontius Pilate’s repeated attempts to save Jesus during the trial before the praetorium in Jerusalem, on a Friday morning. Based mainly on John 19.4-15, it traces the political and religious pressures that lead Pilate to condemn Jesus despite his conviction of his innocence. This passage reveals the tension between justice, political power and religious authority during the Passion of Christ.
John 19.7 (King James Version) :The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER349
The Titulus of Pilate
Pilate's titulus is the notice placed on Jesus' cross bearing the words 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews', written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek. Pilate insists on this wording despite the protest of the chief priests, thus asserting a symbolic authority after having yielded on the condemnation. This act reveals a tragic irony: the inscription publicly proclaims Jesus' kingship at the very moment of his death.
Luke 23.26-33 (King James Version) :And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER350
The way to Mount Golgotha, help from Simon of Cyrene
PER350 examines Jesus’ journey to Mount Golgotha, from Pilate’s praetorium. Weakened by the scourging, Jesus can no longer carry his cross alone. Simon of Cyrene is pressed into service by the soldiers. Luke mentions weeping women in the crowd, while Matthew reports Jesus’ refusal of a drink meant to dull the pain. Mark identifies Simon as the father of Alexander and Rufus, figures known to the early Christian communities. A synopsis of Matthew, Mark and Luke sheds light on this episode, which immediately precedes the crucifixion, dated to Friday morning around 9 o’clock.
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.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER351
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.
John 19.15 (King James Version) :But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Cæsar.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER352
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.
Luke 23.35-36 (King James Version) :And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER358
John's Added Details
John 19.31-37 reports details found only in his account of the events following Jesus' death: the Jewish authorities' request to have the bodies removed before the Passover Sabbath, the crurifragium applied to the robbers but not to Jesus, who was already dead, and the spear piercing his side. John, an eyewitness, attests the reality of Christ's death and the fulfillment of the Scriptures concerning the Passover Lamb.
Luke 23.44 (King James Version) :And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER361
Joseph of Arimathea asks for the body of Jesus
Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin and a secret disciple of Jesus, courageously asks Pilate to release the body of the Crucified One. Accompanied by Nicodemus, he arranges a dignified burial in his own new tomb, before the Sabbath begins. This episode, attested by all four Gospels, illustrates the passage from discretion to a public act of faith at the very moment when the closest disciples remain in hiding.
Mark 15.42-47 (King James Version) :And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER363
The visit of the Sanhedrin's representatives to Pilate
An episode found only in Matthew, this passage recounts the visit of the Sanhedrin's representatives to Pilate on Saturday morning to obtain a guard for the tomb of Jesus. Fearing a rumor of resurrection, they have the sepulcher sealed. Pilate, a pragmatist, yields to their request. This episode reveals the tensions between the Jewish religious leadership and Roman authority, and directly prepares the account of the resurrection.
John 19.31-42 (King James Version) :The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Reliability of the Scriptures and other doctrinal topics
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CHR009
The debate over the date of Jesus’ death
The article analyzes the proposed dates of Jesus’ death, 7 April AD 30 and 1 April AD 33, based on the Gospels, history, and astronomical calculations.
John 19.31 (King James Version) :The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.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 -
INF006
Did Jesus speak Greek?
The article examines the likelihood that Jesus spoke Greek. Although he was born in Nazareth, an isolated town, the Gospels report direct dialogues between Jesus and Pilate and Roman officers with no mention of an interpreter. The author suggests that work as a carpenter in Sepphoris, a Hellenized city, and possible local teaching explain this probable command of Greek.
Matthew 8.5 (King James Version) :And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
INF061
The P52 papyrus
Papyrus P52 is the oldest known fragment of the New Testament, containing verses from John 18. Discovered in Egypt in the early 20th century by Oxford scholars, it was acquired in 1920 for the John Rylands Library in Manchester. Identified in 1935 by Colin Henderson Roberts, this 9x6 cm fragment is dated on paleographic grounds to the first half of the 2nd century. Its discovery confirms the rapid spread and faithful transmission of the Gospels.
John 18.31-33 (King James Version) :Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Word of a Friend
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PDA007
The Resurrection
The article examines the resurrection of Jesus, a key event of Christianity. The women's visit to the tomb and the apostles' initial unbelief in the face of this extraordinary event are highlighted. The author explains that God continues to speak to people in various ways, but that humanity often chooses to ignore these spiritual messages.
Revelation 3.20 (King James Version) :Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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ANN045
The debate over the date of Jesus’ death
The article ANN045 examines the debate on the date of the death of Jesus, comparing the two main hypotheses: April 7, AD 30…
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ANN073
The resurrection of the Messiah Jesus
This article examines the resurrection of Jesus and its theological impact, discussing the predictions and reactions of the witnesses, as well as the measures taken by…