Studies 1 to 3
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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.
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 -
PER342
The tragic end of Judas Iscariot
Only Matthew reports the tragic end of Judas Iscariot. After Jesus is condemned, overwhelmed with remorse, Judas throws the thirty pieces of silver into the sanctuary of the Temple and takes his own life. The priests use this money to buy the potter’s field, called Hakeldama. This episode illustrates the irreversibility of betrayal and the despair of a man unable to accept forgiveness.
Matthew 27.3-9 (King James Version) :Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.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.Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;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 22.66-71 (King James Version) :And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org