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.
Luke 23.1-5 (King James Version) :And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.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 26.59-68 (King James Version) :Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?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 9.7-9 (King James Version) :Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org