Studies 1 to 4
- 1Pilate's titulusThe last day up to the crucifixionLuke 23.37-38
- 2The Way to Mount Golgotha, with the Help of Simon of CyreneThe last day until the crucifixionMatthew 27.22
- 3Words to the WomenThe last day until the crucifixionLuke 23.28-31
- 4The crucifixionThe last day up to the crucifixionMatthew 27.22
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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.
John 19.21 (King James Version) :Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.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.
Luke 23.27 (King James Version) :And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.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.
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 -
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 24.39 (King James Version) :Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org