§ 153. Jesus Is Betrayed, Arrested and Forsaken

Garden of Gethsemane. Friday, long before dawn

Mark 14:43-52 Matt. 26:47-56 Luke 22:47-53 John 18:2-12

43 And
straightway, while
he yet spake,
cometh Judas,
one of the twelve,
and with him
a multitude
with swords
and staves,
from the chief
priests and the
scribes and
the elders.

44 Now he
that betrayed
him had given
them a token,
saying,
Whomsoever I
shall kiss, that is
he; take him, and
lead him away
safely. 45 And
when he was
come, straightway
he came
to him, and
saith, Rabbi;
and kissed
him.

46 And they
laid hands on
him, and took
him.
47 But a
certain one of
them that
stood by drew
his sword, and
smote the
servant of the
high priest,
and struck off
his ear.

48 And
Jesus answered
and said unto
them,

Are
ye come out,
as against a
robber, with
swords and
staves to seize
me? 49 I was
daily with you
in the temple
teaching, and
ye took me
not: but this
is done that
the scriptures
might be
fulfilled. 50 And
they all left
him, and fled.

51 And a
certain young
man followed
with him,
having a linen
cloth cast
about him,
over his naked
body: and they
lay hold on
him; 52 but he
left the linen
cloth, and fled
naked.

47 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.

48 Now he
that betrayed
him gave them
a sign, saying,
Whomsoever I
shall kiss, that
is he: take
him.

49 And
straightway he
came to Jesus,
and said, Hail,
Rabbi; and
kissed him.

50 And Jesus
said unto him,
Friend, do that
for which thou
art come. Then
they came and
laid hands on
Jesus, and took
him. 51 And
behold, one of
them that
were with
Jesus stretched
out his
hand, and drew
his sword, and
smote the
servant of the
high priest,
and struck off
his ear. 52 Then
saith Jesus unto
him, Put up
again thy
sword into its
place: for all
they that take
the sword shall
perish with the
sword. 53 Or
thinkest thou
that I cannot
beseech my
Father, and he
shall even now
send me more
than twelve
legions of
angels? 54 How
then should
the scriptures
be fulfilled,
that thus it
must be? 55 In
that hour said
Jesus to the
multitudes,

Are
ye come out
as against a
robber with
swords and
staves to seize
me? I sat daily
in the temple
teaching, and
ye took me
not. 56 But all
this is come to
pass, that the
scriptures of
the prophets
might be
fulfilled. Then
all the
disciples left
him, and fled.

47 While he yet
spake, behold,
a multitude,
and he that
was called Judas,
one of the
twelve, went
before them;

and he drew
near unto
Jesus to kiss
him. 48 But
Jesus said unto
him, Judas,
betrayest thou
the Son of man
with a kiss?
49 And when they
that were about
him saw what
would follow,
they said,
Lord, shall we
smite with the
sword?
50 And a
certain one of
them smote
the servant of
the high priest,
and struck off
his right ear.

51 But
Jesus answered
and said,
Suffer ye thus
far. And he
touched his
ear, and healed
him.

52 And Jesus
said unto the
chief priests,
and captains
of the temple,
and elders,
which were
come against
him, Are ye
come out, as
against a
robber, with
swords and
staves? 53 When
I was daily
with you in the
temple, ye
stretched not
forth your
hands against
me: but this is
your hour, and
the power of
darkness. 2 Now Judas
also, which
betrayed him,
knew the
place: for Jesus
oft-times
resorted thither
with his disciples.
3 Judas
then, having
received the
band of
soldiers, and
officers from
the chief
priests and the
Pharisees,
cometh thither
with lanterns
and torches
and weapons.
4 Jesus therefore,
knowing
all the things
that were coming
upon him,
went forth, and
saith unto
them, Whom
seek ye? 5 They
answered him,
Jesus of
Nazareth. Jesus
saith unto
them, I am he.
And Judas
also, which
betrayed him,
was standing
with them.
6 When therefore
he said
unto them,
I am he, they
went backward,
and fell
to the ground.
7 Again therefore
he asked
them, Whom
seek ye? And
they said,
Jesus of
Nazareth. 8 Jesus
answered, I told
you that I am
he: if therefore
ye seek me, let
these go their
way: 9 that the
word might be
fulfilled which
he spake, Of
those whom
thou hast
given me I lost
not one.

10 Simon Peter
therefore
having a sword
drew it, and
struck the
high priest's
servant, and
cut off his right
ear. Now the
servant's name
was Malchus.
11 Jesus therefore
said unto
Peter, Put up
the sword into
the sheath: the
cup which the
Father hath
given me, shall
I not drink it?

12 So the band
and the chief
captain, and
the officers of
the Jews, seized
Jesus and
bound him.

Gr. kissed him much.

Gr. bondservant.

Or, cohort.

Or, military tribune. Gr. chiliarch.

§ 154. Jesus FIRSTa Examined by Annas, the Ex-High-Priest

The Jewish Trial and related occurrences, §§ 154-162.

Friday before dawn

John 18:12-14, 19-23

12 So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him, 13 and led him to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was high priest that year. 14 Now Caiaphas was he which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

19 The high priest therefore asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, I have spoken openly to the world; I ever taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and in secret spake I nothing. 21 Why askest thou me? ask them that have heard me, what I spake unto them: behold, these know the things which I said. 22 And when he had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? 23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

Or, cohort.

Or, military tribune. Gr. chiliarch.

Gr. synagogue.

Or, with a rod.

a The Jewish trial comprised three stages, the preliminary examination by Annas (§ 154), the informal trial by the Sanhedrin, probably before dawn, and the formal trial after dawn. With these are narrated two related matters, the denial by Peter and the suicide of Judas.

§ 155. Jesus Hurriedly Tried and Condemned by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, Who Mock and Buffet Him

Residence of the High-priest Caiaphas. Before dawn on Friday

Mark 14:53, 55-65 Matt. 26:57, 59-68 Luke 22:54, 63-65 John 18:24

53 And they led
Jesus away to
the high
priest: and
there come
together with
him all the
chief priests
and the elders
and the scribes.
55 Now the
chief priests
and the whole
council sought
witness against
Jesus to put
him to death;
and found it
not. 56 For many
bare false
witness against
him, and their
witness agreed
not together.
57 And there
stood up
certain, and bare
false witness
against him,
saying, 58 We
heard him say,
I will destroy
this temple
that is made
with hands,
and in three
days I will
build another
made without
hands. 59 And
not even so did
their witness
agree together.
60 And the
high priest
stood up in the
midst, and
asked Jesus,
saying,
Answerest thou
nothing? what
is it which
these witness
against thee?
61 But he held
his peace, and
answered
nothing. Again
the high priest
asked him, and
saith unto
him,

Art thou the
Christ, the Son
of the Blessed?
62 And Jesus
said, I am: and
ye shall see
the Son of
man sitting at
the right hand
of power, and
coming with
the clouds of
heaven [see Ps.
110:1; Dan.
7:13]. 63 And
the high priest
rent his
clothes, and
saith,

What
further need
have we of
witnesses? 64 Ye
have heard
the blasphemy
[see Lev. 24:16]:
what
think ye? And
they all
condemned him
to be worthy
of death. 65 And
some began to
spit on him,
and to cover
his face, and
to buffet him,
and to say unto
him, Prophesy:
and the
officers received
him with
blows of their
hands. 57 And they
that had taken
Jesus led him
away to the
house of
Caiaphas the high
priest, where
the scribes and
the elders were
gathered together.
59 Now the
chief priests
and the whole
council sought
false witness
against Jesus,
that they
might put him
to death; 60 and
they found it
not, though
many false
witnesses
came.
But afterward
came two, 61 and
said,

This man
said, I am able
to destroy the
temple of
God, and to
build it in
three days [see
John 2:19].

62 And the high
priest stood
up, and said
unto him,
Answerest thou
nothing? what
is it which
these witness
against thee?

63 But Jesus held
his peace.

And
the high priest
said unto him,
I adjure thee
by the living
God, that thou
tell us whether
thou be the
Christ, the Son
of God.
64 Jesus
saith unto
him, Thou
hast said:
nevertheless I
say unto you,
Henceforth
ye shall see the
Son of man
sitting at the
right hand of
power, and
coming on the
clouds of heaven.
65 Then the
high priest
rent his
garments, saying,
He hath spoken
blasphemy:
what further
need have we
of witnesses?
behold, now ye
have heard
the blasphemy:
66 what think
ye? They
answered and
said, He is
worthy of
death.
67 Then
did they spit
in his face and
buffet him: and
some smote
him with the
palms of their
hands, 68 saying,
Prophesy unto
us, thou Christ:
who is he that
struck thee?
54 And they
seized him,
and led him
away, and
brought him
into the high
priest's house.

63 And the men
that held Jesus
mocked
him, and beat
him. 64 And they
blindfolded
him, and asked
him, saying,
Prophesy:
who is he that
struck thee?
65 And many
other things
spake they
against him,
reviling him.
24 Annas
therefore sent
him bound
unto Caiaphas
the high priest.

Or, sanctuary: as in Matt. 23:35; and chap. 27:5.

Gr. liable to.

Or, with rods.

Or, strokes of rods.

Gr. him.

§ 156. Peter THRICEa Denies His Lord

COURT OF THE HIGH-PRIEST'S RESIDENCE, DURING THE SERIES OF TRIALS

Friday before and about dawn

Mark 14:54,
66-72 Matt. 26:58,
69-75 Luke 22:54-62 John 18:15-18,
25-27

54 And Peter had
followed him
afar off,

even
within, unto the
court of the
high priest;

and he
was sitting
with the officers,
and warming
himself
in the light
of the fire.

66 And as Peter
was beneath in
the court, there
cometh one of
the maids of
the high priest;
67 and seeing
Peter warming
himself, she
looked upon
him, and saith,
Thou also wast
with the
Nazarene, even
Jesus. 68 But he
denied, saying,
I neither
know, nor
understand what
thou sayest:
and he went
out into the
porch; and
the cock crew.

69 And the maid
saw him, and
began again to
say to them
that stood by,
This is one of
them.

70 But he
again denied
it.

And after
a little while
again they
that stood by
said to Peter,
Of a truth
thou art one
of them; for
thou art a
Galilean. 71 But
he began to
curse, and to
swear, I know
not this man
of whom ye
speak. 72 And
straightway
the second
time the cock
crew.

And
Peter called to
mind the
word, how
that Jesus said
unto him,
Before the cock
crow twice,
thou shalt
deny me
thrice. And
when he
thought thereon,
he wept. 58 But Peter
followed him
afar off,

unto the
court of the
high priest,
and entered in,

and sat with
the officers, to
see the end.

69 Now Peter was
sitting without
in the court:
and a maid
came unto
him, saying,

Thou also wast
with Jesus the
Galilean.
70 But
he denied
before them all,
saying, I know
not what thou
sayest.

71 And
when he was
gone out into
the porch,
another maid saw
him, and saith
unto them
that were
there, This
man also was
with Jesus the
Nazarene.
72 And again he
denied with an
oath, I know
not the man.
73 And after a
little while
they that
stood by came
and said to
Peter, Of a
truth thou also
art one of
them; for thy
speech
bewrayeth thee.
74 Then began
he to curse and
to swear, I
know not the
man.
And straightway
the cock
crew.

75 And Peter
remembered
the word
which Jesus
had said,
Before the cock
crow, thou
shalt deny
me thrice.
And he went
out, and wept
bitterly. 54 But Peter
followed afar
off.

55 And when
they had
kindled a fire in
the midst of
the court, and
had sat down
together,
Peter sat in the
midst of them.
56 And a certain
maid seeing
him as he sat
in the light of
the fire, and
looking
stedfastly upon
him, said, This
man also was
with him.
57 But he
denied, saying,
Woman, I
know him not.

58 And after a
little while
another saw
him, and said,
Thou also art
one of them.
But Peter said,
Man, I am not.

59 And
after the space
of about one
hour another
confidently
affirmed, saying,
Of a truth this
man also was
with him: for
he is a Galilean.
60 But
Peter said, Man,
I know not
what thou
sayest.

And
immediately,
while he yet
spake, the cock
crew. 61 And the
Lord turned,
and looked upon
Peter. And Peter
remembered
the word
of the Lord,
how that he
said unto him,
Before the
cock crow this
day, thou shalt
deny me
thrice. 62 And
he went out,
and wept
bitterly. 15 And Simon
Peter followed
Jesus, and so
did another
disciple. Now
that disciple
was known
unto the high
priest, and
entered in
with Jesus into
the court of
the high priest;
16 but Peter was
standing at the
door without.
So the
other disciple,
which was
known unto
the high priest,
went out and
spake unto her
that kept the
door, and
brought in Peter.
17 The maid
therefore that
kept the door
saith unto
Peter, Art thou
also one of
this man's
disciples? He
saith, I am
not. 18 Now the
servants and
the officers
were standing
there, having
made a fire of
coals; for it
was cold; and
they were
warming
themselves:
and Peter also
was with
them, standing
and warming
himself.

25 Now Simon
Peter was
standing and
warming himself.
They said
therefore unto
him, Art thou
also one of his
disciples?

He
denied, and
said, I am not.

26 One of the
servants of
the high priest,
being a kinsman
of him
whose ear
Peter cut off,
saith, Did not
I see thee in
the garden with
him? 27 Peter
therefore
denied again:

and straightway
the cock
crew.

Or, I neither know, nor understand: thou, what sayest thou?

Gr. forecourt.

Many ancient authorities omit and the cock crew.

Or, And he began to weep.

Gr. bondservants.

Gr. a fire of charcoal.

a Each of the four Gospels records three denials; but the details differ considerably, as must always be the case where in each narrative a few facts are selected out of many sayings and doings. We have seen (footnote on § 154) that there were three stages of the Jewish trial, (l) before Annas, (2) before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin for informal examination, (3) before them in a formal trial. Now John gives only the first of the three stages, Luke only the last, Matthew and Mark give the second stage fully, and the third in brief mention. If Peter's denials ran through all three (and Luke says in ver. 59 that there was an hour between his second and third denials), then no one of the four Gospels could give each of the denials precisely at the time of its occurrence; and so each Gospel merely throws them together, as in another way we here bring them together in one section. There is no difficulty about the substantial fact of the denials; and we must be content with our inability to arrange all the circumstances into a complete programme.

§ 157. After Dawn, Jesus Is FORMALLYa Condemned by the Sanhedrin

Friday

Mark 15:1 Matt. 27:1 Luke 22:66-71

1 And straightway in
the morning the chief
priests with the elders
and scribes, and the
whole council, held a
consultation, 1 Now when morning
was come, all the
chief priests and the
elders of the people
took counsel against
Jesus to put him to
death: 66 And as soon as it
was day, the assembly
of the elders
of the people was
gathered together,
both chief priests and
scribes; and they led
him away into their
council, saying, 67 If
thou art the Christ,
tell us. But he said
unto them, If I tell
you, ye will not believe:
68 and if I ask you,
ye will not answer.
69 But from henceforth
shall the Son of man
be seated on the right
hand of the power of
God [see Ps. 110:1;
Dan. 7:13]. 70 And they
all said, Art thou then
the Son of God? And
he said unto them,
Ye say that I am.
71 And they said, What
further need have we
of witness? for we
ourselves have heard
from his own mouth.

Or, Ye say it, because I am.

a This ratification of the condemnation after dawn was an effort to make the action legal. But no ratification of a wrong can make it right. Some modern Jewish writers admit the illegalities and argue the unhistorical character of the narrative. But the hate of the Sanhedrin for Jesus made them violate their own rules of legal procedure. See my book, The Pharisees and Jesus.

§ 158. Remorse and Suicide of Judas the Betrayer

IN THE TEMPLE AND IN A PLACE WITHOUT THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM

Friday morning

Matt. 27:3-10 Acts 1:18, 19

3 Then Judas, which betrayed
him, when he saw that he was
condemned, repented himself, and
brought back the thirty pieces of
silver to the chief priests and
elders, 4 saying, I have sinned in
that I betrayed innocent blood.
But they said, What is that to us?
see thou to it. 5 And he cast down
the pieces of silver into the sanctu-
ary, and departed; and he went
away and hanged himself. 6 And
the chief priests took the pieces of
silver, and said, It is not lawful to
put them into the treasury, since
it is the price of blood [see Deut.
23:18]. 7 And they took counsel,
and bought with them the potter's
field, to bury strangers in.
8 Wherefore that field was called,
The field of blood, unto this day.
9 Then was fulfilled that which was
spoken by Jeremiah the prophet,
saying, And they took the thirty
pieces of silver, the price of him
that was priced, whom certain of
the children of Israel did price;
10 and they gave them for the
potter's field, as the Lord appointed
me [see Zech. 11:13; Jer. 18:2;
19:2; 32:6-15]. 18 (Now this man obtained a field
with the reward of his iniquity;
and falling headlong, he burst
asunder in the midst, and all his
bowels gushed out. 19 And it
became known to all the dwellers at
Jerusalem; insomuch that in their
language that field was called
Akeldama, that is, The field of
blood.)

Many ancient authorities read righteous.

Gr. corbanas, that is, sacred treasury. Comp. Mark 7:11.

Or, through.

Or, I took.

Or, whom they priced on the part of the sons of Israel.

Some ancient authorities read I gave.

§ 159. Jesus Before Pilate the FIRSTa Time

Jerusalem. Friday, early morning

Mark 15:1-5 Matt. 27:2, 11-14 Luke 23:1-5 John 18:28-38

1 and bound
Jesus, and
carried him
away, and
delivered him
up to Pilate.

2 And Pilate
asked him,

Art
thou the King
of the Jews?
And he
answering saith
unto him,
Thou sayest.

3 And the
chief priests
accused him of
many things.

4 And Pilate
again asked
him, saying,
Answerest
thou nothing?
behold how
many things
they accuse
thee of. 5 But
Jesus no more
answered
anything;
insomuch that
Pilate
marvelled. 2 and they
bound him,
and led him
away, and
delivered him
up to Pilate the
governor.

11 Now Jesus
stood before
the governor:
and the
governor asked
him, saying,
Art thou the
King of the
Jews? And
Jesus said unto
him, Thou
sayest.

12 And when
he was accused
by the chief
priests and
elders, he
answered
nothing.
13 Then saith
Pilate unto him,
Hearest thou
not how many
things they
witness against
thee? 14 And he
gave him no
answer, not
even to one
word: insomuch
that the governor
marvelled
greatly. 1 And the
whole company
of them
rose up, and
brought him
before Pilate.

2 And they
began to accuse
him, saying,
We found
this man
perverting our
nation, and
forbidding to
give tribute to
Cæsar, and
saying that he
himself is
Christ a king.

3 And Pilate
asked him,
saying,

Art thou
the King of the
Jews? And he
answered him
and said, Thou
sayest.

4 And
Pilate said
unto the chief
priests and the
multitudes, I
find no fault
in this man.

5 But they were
the more
urgent, saying,
He stirreth up
the people,
teaching
throughout
all Judea, and
beginning from
Galilee even
unto this place. 28 They lead
Jesus therefore
from Caiaphas
into the palace:
and it was
early;
and they
themselves
entered not into
the palace, that
they might not
be defiled,
but might eat
the passover.
29 Pilate
therefore
went out unto
them, and saith,
What accusation
bring
ye against this
man? 30 They
answered and
said unto him,
If this man
were not an
evil-doer, we
should not
have delivered
him up unto
thee. 31 Pilate
therefore said
unto them,
Take him
yourselves,
and judge him
according to
your law. The
Jews said unto
him, It is not
lawful for us
to put any
man to death:
32 that the word
of Jesus might
be fulfilled,
which he
spake, signifying
by what
manner of
death he should
die. 33 Pilate
therefore
entered
again into the
palace, and
called Jesus,
and said unto
him,

Art thou
the King of the
Jews? 34 Jesus
answered,
Sayest thou this
of thyself, or
did others tell it
thee concerning
me? 35 Pilate
answered, Am
I a Jew? Thine
own nation
and the chief
priests delivered
thee unto me:
what hast thou
done? 36 Jesus
answered,
My kingdom
is not of
this world: if
my kingdom
were of this
world, then
would my
servants fight,
that I should
not be delivered
to the Jews:
but now is my
kingdom not
from hence.
37 Pilate
therefore said
unto him, Art
thou a king then?
Jesus answered,
Thou sayest
that I am
a king. To
this end have
I been born,
and to this end
am I come into
the world, that
I should bear
witness unto
the truth.
Every one that
is of the truth
heareth my
voice. 38 Pilate
saith unto
him, What is
truth? And
when he had
said this, he
went out again
unto the
Jews, and saith
unto them, I
find no crime
in him.

Or, an anointed king.

Gr. Prætorium.

Or, officers: as in verses 3, 12, 18, 22.

Or, Thou sayest it, because I am a king.

a The Roman Trial also comprised three stages, (1) the first appearance before the Roman procurator Pilate (§ 159), (2) the appearance before Herod Antipas, the native ruler of Galilee appointed by the Romans (§ 160), and (3) the final appearance before Pilate (§ 161).

§ 160. Jesus Before Herod Antipas the Tetrarch

Jerusalem. Friday, early morning

Luke 23:6-12

6 But when Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man were a Galilean. 7 And when he knew that he was of Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him unto Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in these days.

8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was of a long time desirous to see him, because he had heard concerning him;a and he hoped to see some miracle done by him. 9 And he questioned him in many words; but he answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers set him at nought, and mocked him, and arraying him in gorgeous apparel sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

Gr. sign.

a See § 71.

§ 161. Jesus the Second Time Before Pilate

Pilate slowly and reluctantly and in fear surrenders to the demand of the Sanhedrin for the crucifixion of Christ.

Friday toward sunrise (John 19:14)

Mark 15:6-15 Matt. 27:15-26 Luke 23:13-25 John 18:39-19:16

6 Now at the
feast he used
to release unto
them one
prisoner, whom
they asked of
him. 7 And
there was one
called Barabbas,
lying bound
with them that
had made
insurrection,
men who in the
insurrection
had committed
murder.
8 And the
multitude
went up and
began to ask
him to do as
he was wont
to do unto
them.

9 And
Pilate answered
them, saying,
Will ye
that I release
unto you the
King of the
Jews?
10 For he
perceived that
for envy the
chief priests
had delivered
him up.

11 But the
chief priests
stirred up the
multitude,
that he should
rather release
Barabbas unto
them.

12 And Pilate
again answered
and said unto
them, What
then shall I do
unto him
whom ye call
the King of the
Jews? 13 And
they cried out
again, Crucify
him. 14 And
Pilate said unto
them, Why,
what evil hath
he done?

But
they cried out
exceedingly,
Crucify him.

15 And Pilate,
wishing to
content the
multitude,

released
unto them
Barabbas,

and
delivered Jesus,
when he had
scourged him,
to be crucified. 15 Now at the
feast the
governor was
wont to release
unto the multitude
one prisoner,
whom they
would. 16 And
they had then
a notable
prisoner, called
Barabbas.

17 When
therefore they
were gathered
together,
Pilate said unto
them, Whom
will ye that I
release unto
you? Barabbas,
or Jesus
which is called
Christ? 18 For
he knew that
for envy they
had delivered
him up. 19 And
while he was
sitting on the
judgement-seat,
his wife
sent unto him,
saying, Have
thou nothing
to do with that
righteous man:
for I have
suffered many
things this
day in a dream
because of
him. 20 Now the
chief priests
and the elders
persuaded the
multitudes
that they
should ask for
Barabbas, and
destroy Jesus.
21 But the
governor
answered and
said unto them,
Whether of
the twain will
ye that I
release unto
you? And
they said,
Barabbas.

22 Pilate saith
unto them,
What then
shall I do unto
Jesus which is
called Christ?
They all say,

Let him be
crucified.

23 And
he said, Why,
what evil hath
he done?

But
they cried out
exceedingly,
saying, Let
him be crucified.

24 So when
Pilate saw that
he prevailed
nothing, but
rather that a
tumult was
arising, he took
water, and
washed his
hands before
the multitude
[see Deut.
21:6-9], saying,
I am innocent
of the blood of
this righteous
man: see
ye to it. 25 And
all the people
answered and
said, His blood
be on us, and
on our children.b

26 Then
released he
unto them
Barabbas:

but Jesus
he scourged
and delivered
to be crucified.

13 And Pilate
called together
the chief
priests and the
rulers and the
people, 14 and
said unto
them, Ye
brought unto
me this man,
as one that
perverteth the
people: and
behold, I, having
examined him
before you,
found no fault
in this man
touching those
things whereof
ye accuse him:
15 no, nor yet
Herod: for he
sent him back
unto us; and
behold, nothing
worthy of
death hath
been done by
him.

16 I will
therefore
chastise him,
and release
him.

18 But they cried
out all together,
saying,
Away with
this man, and
release unto us
Barabbas: 19 one
who for a certain
insurrection
made in
the city, and
for murder,
was cast into
prison.

20 And Pilate
spake unto
them again,
desiring to
release Jesus;
21 but they
shouted,
saying,
Crucify,
crucify him.
22 And he
said unto them
the third time,
Why, what evil
hath this man
done? I have
found no cause
of death in
him: I will
therefore
chastise him and
release him.

23 But they
were instant
with loud
voices, asking
that he might
be crucified.

And
their voices
prevailed.

24 And
Pilate gave
sentence that
what they asked
for should
be done. 25 And
he released
him that for
insurrection
and murder
had been cast
into prison,
whom they
asked for; but
Jesus he
delivered up
to their will.

39 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?

40 They cried
out therefore
again, saying,
Not this man,
but Barabbas.
Now Barabbas
was a robber.

1 Then Pilate
therefore took
Jesus, and
scourged him.
2 And the
soldiers plaited
a crown of
thorns, and put
it on his head,
and arrayed
him in a purple
garment; 3 and
they came unto
him, and
said, Hail,
King of the
Jews! and they
struck him
with their
hands. 4 And
Pilate went
out again, and
saith unto
them, Behold,
I bring him
out to you,
that ye may
know that I
find no crime
in him. 5 Jesus
therefore came
out, wearing
the crown of
thorns and the
purple
garment. And
Pilate saith
unto them,
Behold, the man!
6 When therefore
the chief
priests and the
officers saw
him, they cried
out, saying,
Crucify him,
crucify him.
Pilate saith
unto them,
Take him
yourselves,
and crucify
him: for I find
no crime in
him. 7 The Jews
answered him,
We have a
law, and by
that law he
ought to die,
because he
made himself
the Son of
God. 8 When
Pilate therefore
heard this
saying, he was
the more afraid;
9 and he entered
into the palace
again, and saith
unto Jesus,
Whence art
thou? But Jesus
gave him no
answer. 10 Pilate
therefore saith
unto him,
Speakest thou
not unto me?
knowest thou
not that I have
power to release
thee, and have
power to crucify
thee? 11 Jesus
answered him,
Thou wouldest
have no power
against me,
except it were
given thee from
above: therefore
he that delivered
me unto thee
hath greater sin.
12 Upon this
Pilate sought to
release him: but
the Jews cried
out, saying, If
thou release this
man, thou art
not Cæsar's
friend: every
one that maketh
himself a king
speaketh against
Cæsar. 13 When
Pilate therefore
heard these
words, he
brought Jesus
out, and sat
down on the
judgement-seat
at a place called
The Pavement,
but in Hebrew,
Gabbatha.
14 Now it was
the Preparation
of the passover:
it was about the
sixth hour.a And
he saith unto the
Jews, Behold,
your King!
15 They therefore
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.

16 Then therefore
he delivered
him unto them

to be crucified.

Or, a feast.

Some ancient authorities read of this blood: see ye etc.

Gr. Prætorium. See Mark 15:16.

Or, palace.

Many ancient authorities insert ver. 17 Now he must needs release unto them at the feast one prisoner. Others add the same words after ver. 19.

Or, with rods.

Or, authority.

Or, opposeth Cæsar.

a It appears that John, who wrote in Asia Minor, long after the destruction of Jerusalem, makes the day begin at midnight, as the Greeks and Romans did. We seem compelled so to understand him in 20:19 (comp. Luke 24:29-39); and in no passage of his Gospel is that view unsuitable. Here then we understand that Pilate passed the sentence about sunrise, which at the Passover, near the vernal equinox, would be 6 o'clock. The intervening three hours might be occupied in preparations, and the Crucifixion occurred at 9 o'clock, viz. the third hour as counted by the Jews (Mark 15:25).

b Pilate, of course, could not escape full legal and moral responsibility for his cowardly surrender to the Sanhedrin to keep his own office. The guilt of the Sanhedrin (both Pharisees and Sadducees unite in the demand for the blood of Jesus) is beyond dispute. It is impossible to make a mere political issue out of it and to lay all the blame on the Sadducees, who feared a revolution. The Pharisees began the attacks against Jesus on theological and ecclesiastical grounds. The Sadducees later joined the conspiracy against Christ. Judas was a mere tool of the Sanhedrin, who had his resentments and grievances to avenge. There is guilt enough for all the plotters in the greatest wrong of the ages.

§ 162. The Roman Soldiers MOCKa Jesus

Friday, between 6 and 9 A.M.

Mark 15:16-19 Matt. 27:27-30

16 And the soldiers led him away
within the court, which is the
Prætorium; and they call together
the whole band. 17 And they clothe
him with purple, and plaiting a
crown of thorns, they put it on
him; 18 and they began to salute
him, Hail, King of the Jews!
19 And they smote his head with a
reed, and did spit upon him, and
bowing their knees worshipped
him. 27 Then the soldiers of the
governor took Jesus into the palace,
and gathered unto him the whole
band. 28 And they stripped him,
and put on him a scarlet robe.
29 And they plaited a crown of thorns
and put it upon his head, and a
reed in his right hand; and they
kneeled down before him, and
mocked him, saying, Hail, King
of the Jews! 30 And they spat upon
him, and took the reed and smote
him on the head.

Gr. Prætorium.

Or, cohort.

Some ancient authorities read clothed him.

Or, palace.

a The Sanhedrin likewise had mocked Jesus when they had condemned him to death (§ 155).

§ 163. JESUS ON THE WAY TO THE CROSS (VIA DOLOROSA) ON GOLGOTHAa

Before 9 A.M. Friday

Mark 15:20-23 Matt. 27:31-34 Luke 23:26-33 John 19:16-17

20 And when
they had mocked
him, they took
off from him
the purple, and
put on him his
garments. And
they lead him
out to crucify
him.
21 And they
compel one
passing by,
Simon of Cyrene,
coming from
the country,
the father of
Alexander and
Rufus, to go
with them, that
he might bear
his cross.

22 And
they bring him
unto the place
Golgotha,
which is, being
interpreted,
The place of a
skull. 23 And
they offered
him wine
mingled with
myrrh: but he
received it not. 31 And when
they had mocked
him, they took
off from him
the robe, and
put on him his
garments, and
led him away
to crucify him.

32 And as they
came out, they
found a man
of Cyrene,
Simon by name:
him they
compelled to go
with them, that
he might bear
his cross.

33 And
when they
were come unto
a place called
Golgotha,
that is to say,
The place of a
skull, 34 they
gave him wine
to drink
mingled with gall
[see Ps. 69:21]:
and when he
had tasted it,
he would not
drink.

26 And when
they led him
away, they laid
hold upon one
Simon of
Cyrene, coming
from the country,
and laid
on him the
cross, to bear
it after Jesus.

27 And there
followed him a
great multitude
of the
people, and of
women who
bewailed and
lamented him.
28 But Jesus
turning unto them
said, Daughters
of Jerusalem,
weep not
for me, but
weep for your-
selves, and for
your children.
29 For behold, the
days are coming,
in which
they shall say,
Blessed are the
barren, and the
wombs that
never bare, and
the breasts that
never gave
suck. 30 Then
shall they
begin to say to
the mountains,
Fall on
us; and to the
hills, Cover us
[see Hos. 10:8].
31 For if they
do these things
in the green
tree, what shall
be done in the
dry?
32 And there
were also two
others,
malefactors, led
with him to be
put to death.
33 And when
they came unto
the place
which is called
The skull, 16 They took
Jesus therefore:
17 and he went
out, bearing the
cross for
himself,

unto the
place called
The place of a
skull, which
is called in
Hebrew
Golgotha:

Gr. impressed.

Gr. impress.

According to the Latin, Calvary, which has the same meaning.

a Golgotha is the Aramaic word for "skull," and Calvary is the Latin word. The place cannot have been where the so-called "Church of the Holy Sepulchre" stands, far within the walls. There is of late a rapidly growing agreement that it was the northern end of the Temple hill, whose rounded summit (without the city wall), and southern face with holes in the rock, looks at a little distance much like a skull. This place fulfils all the conditions.

§ 164. The First Three Hours on the Cross

From nine A.M. till noon on Friday (three sayings of Jesus; the soldiers gambling for the garment of Jesus; the inscription on the Cross; the scoffing of Jesus by the multitude, the Sanhedrin, the soldiers, and even by the two robbers on each side of Christ)a

Mark 15:24-32 Matt. 27:35-44 Luke 23:33-43 John 19:18-27

24 And they
crucify him, and
part his
garments among
them, casting
lots upon them,
what each
should take
[see Ps. 22:18].

25 And it was
the third hour,
and they crucified
him. 26 And the
superscription
of his accusation
was written over,
THE KING OF
THE JEWS.

27 And
with him they
crucify two
robbers; one
on his right
hand, and one
on his left.

29 And they that
passed by railed
on him,
wagging their
heads [see Ps.
22:7], and
saying, Ha! thou
that destroyest
the temple,
and buildest it
in three days,
30 save thyself,
and come down
from the cross.

31 In like manner
also the chief
priests mocking
him among
themselves
with the
scribes said,
He saved
others; himself
he cannot save.
32 Let the Christ,
the King of
Israel, now come
down from the
cross, that we
may see and
believe.

And
they that were
crucified with
him reproached
him. 35 And when
they had
crucified him,
they parted
his garments
among them,
casting lots:
36 and they sat
and watched
him there.

37 And
they set up
over his head
his accusation
written, THIS
IS JESUS THE
KING OF THE
JEWS.

38 Then are
there crucified
with him two
robbers, one on
the right hand,
and one on the
left.

39 And they that
passed by railed
on him, wagging
their heads,
40 and saying,
Thou that
destroyest the
temple, and
buildest it in
three days,
save thyself: if
thou art the
Son of God,
come down
from the cross.
41 In like manner
also the chief
priests mocking
him, with the
scribes and
elders, said,
42 He saved
others; himself
he cannot save.
He is the King
of Israel; let
him now come
down from the
cross, and we
will believe on
him. 43 He
trusteth on God
[see Ps. 22:8];
let him deliver
him now, if he
desireth him:
for he said, I
am the Son of
God. 44 And the
robbers also
that were
crucified with
him cast upon
him the same
reproach. 33 there they
crucified him,
and the
malefactors,
one on the
right hand and
the other on
the left. 34 And
Jesus said,
Father, forgive
them; for they
know not what
they do.

And
parting his
garments
among them,
they cast lots.

38 And there
was also a
superscription
over him,
THIS IS THE
KING OF THE
JEWS.

35 And the
people stood
beholding.

And
the rulers also
scoffed at him,
saying, He
saved others;
let him save
himself, if this
is the Christ
of God, his
chosen. 36 And
the soldiers
also mocked
him, coming to
him, offering
him vinegar,
37 and saying,
If thou art the
King of the
Jews, save
thyself.

39 And one of
the malefactors
which
were hanged
railed on him,
saying, Art not
thou the
Christ? save
thyself and us.
40 But the other
answered, and
rebuking him
said, Dost thou
not even fear
God, seeing thou
art in the same
condemnation?
41 And we
indeed justly;
for we receive
the due reward
of our deeds:
but this man
hath done
nothing amiss.
42 And he said,
Jesus, remember
me when
thou comest in
thy kingdom.
43 And he said
unto him, Verily
I say unto
thee, To-day
shalt thou be
with me in
Paradise. 18 where they
crucified him,
and with him
two others, on
either side one,
and Jesus in
the midst.

23 The soldiers
therefore, when
they had crucified
Jesus, took
his garments,
and made four
parts, to every
soldier a part;
and also the
coat: now the
coat was
without seam,
woven from the
top throughout.
24 They said
therefore one
to another, Let
us not rend it,
but cast lots
for it, whose it
shall be: that
the scripture
might be fulfilled,
which saith,
They parted
my garments
among them,
And upon my
vesture did
they cast
lots. [Ps.
22:18].
25 These things
therefore the
soldiers did.
19 And Pilate
wrote a title
also, and put it
on the cross.
And there was
written, JESUS OF
NAZARETH, THE
KING OF THE
JEWS. 20 This
title therefore
read many of
the Jews: for
the place where
Jesus was
crucified was nigh
to the city: and
it was written
in Hebrew, and
in Latin, and in
Greek. 21 The
chief priests of
the Jews
therefore said to
Pilate, Write not,
The King of
the Jews; but,
that he said, I
am King of the
Jews. 22 Pilate
answered,
What I have
written I have
written.

25 But there were
standing by the
cross of Jesus
his mother, and
his mother's
sister, Mary
the wife of
Cleopas, and
Mary Magdalene.
26 When Jesus
therefore
saw his mother,
and the disciple
standing by,
whom he
loved, he saith
unto his mother,
Woman, behold,
thy son!
27 Then saith
he to the
disciple, Behold,
thy mother!
And from that
hour the disciple
took her unto
his own home.

Or, sanctuary.

Or, can he not save himself?

Many ancient authorities insert ver. 28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was reckoned with transgressors. See Luke 22:37.

Some ancient authorities omit And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

Or, tunic.

Some ancient authorities read into thy kingdom.

Or, for the place of the city where Jesus was crucified was nigh at hand.

a It is not easy to tell the precise order of the events during this period of three hours, since the Gospels do not present them in the same detail or order. On the whole it has seemed best simply to follow Mark's arrangement as we have done uniformly in the Harmony. Thus the apparent order of the sayings is (1) The Prayer for Christ's enemies in Luke 23:34. (2) The Promise to the Repentant Robber in Luke 23:43. (3) The Charge to the Mother of Jesus and to the Beloved Disciple in John 19:26, 27. These three sayings are with reference to others.

§ 165. The Three Hours of Darkness from Noon to Three P.M.

(Four More Sayingsa at the Close of the Darkness and the Death of Christ.)

Mark 15:33-37 Matt. 27:45-50 Luke 23:44-46 John 19:28-30

33 And when
the sixth hour
was come, there
was darkness
over the whole
land until the
ninth hour.
34 And at the
ninth hour
Jesus cried with
a loud voice,
Eloi, Eloi, lama
sabachthani?
which is, being
interpreted, My
God, my God,
why hast thou
forsaken me?
35 And some of
them that
stood by, when
they heard it,
said, Behold,
he calleth
Elijah.

36 And
one ran, and
filling a sponge
full of

vinegar,
put it on a
reed, and gave
him to drink,
saying, Let be;
let us see
whether Elijah
cometh to take
him down.

37 And
Jesus uttered
a loud voice,

and gave up
the ghost. 45 Now from
the sixth hour
there was
darkness over
all the land
until the ninth
hour. 46 And
about the ninth
hour Jesus cried
with a loud
voice, saying,
Eli, Eli, lama,
sabachthani?
that is,
My God, my
God, why hast
thou forsaken me
[see Ps. 22:1]?
47 And some
of them that
stood there,
when they
heard it, said,
This man
calleth Elijah.

48 And
straightway one
of them ran, and
took a sponge,
and filled it
with vinegar,
and put it on a
reed, and gave
him to drink.
49 And the rest
said, Let be;
let us see
whether Elijah
cometh to save
him.

50 And Jesus
cried again
with a loud
voice,

and
yielded up his
spirit. 44 And it was
now about the
sixth hour, and
a darkness
came over the
whole land
until the ninth
hour, 45 the
sun's light failing.

46 And when
Jesus had cried
with a loud
voice, he said,

Father, into
thy hands I
commend my
spirit [see Ps.
31:5]: and
having said this,

he gave
up the ghost.

28 After this
Jesus, knowing
that all things
are now finished,
that the scripture
might be
accomplished,
saith, I
thirst. 29 There
was set there a
vessel full of
vinegar: so they
put a sponge
full of the
vinegar upon
hysop, and
brought it to
his mouth [see
Ps. 69:21].
30 When Jesus
therefore had
received the
vinegar,

he said,
It is finished:

and he bowed
his head,
and
gave up his
spirit.

Or, earth.

Or, why didst thou forsake me?

Many ancient authorities add And another took a spear and pierced his side, and there came out water and blood. See John 19:34.

Gr. the sun failing.

Or, And Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said.

a The probable order of these four sayings coming just before the death of Jesus is (1) The Cry of Desolation, Mark 15:34 = Matt. 27:46. (2) The Cry of Physical Anguish, John 19:28. (3) The Cry of Victory, John 19:30. (4) The Cry of Resignation, Luke 23:46. These four sayings of Jesus are with reference to himself.

§ 166. The Phenomena Accompanying the Death of Christ

Mark 15:38-41 Matt. 27:51-56 Luke 23:45, 47-49

38 And the veil of the
temple was rent in
twain from the top
to the bottom.

39 And when
the centurion, which
stood by over against
him, saw that he so
gave up the ghost, he
said,

Truly this
man was the Son of
God. 40 And there were
also women beholding
from afar: among

whom were both
Mary Magdalene, and
Mary the mother of
James the less and of
Joses, and Salome;
41 who, when he was in
Galilee, followed him,
and ministered unto
him; and many other
women which came
up with him unto
Jerusalem. 51 And behold, the
veil of the temple
was rent in twain
from the top to the
bottom; and the earth
did quake; and the
rocks were rent; 52 and
the tombs were opened;
and many bodies
of the saints that had
fallen asleep were
raised; 53 and coming
forth out of the tombs
after his resurrection
they entered into the
holy city and
appeared unto many.
54 Now the centurion,
and they that were
with him watching
Jesus, when they saw
the earthquake, and
the things that were
done, feared
exceedingly, saying,
Truly this was the
Son of God. 55 And
many women were there
beholding from afar,
which had followed
Jesus from Galilee,
ministering unto him:
56 among whom was
Mary Magdalene, and
Mary the mother of
James and Joses, and
the mother of the
sons of Zebedee. 45 And the veil of
the temple was rent in
the midst.

47 And
when the centurion

saw what was done,

he glorified God,
saying, Certainly this
was a righteous man.
48 And all the
multitudes that came
together to this sight,
when they beheld the
things that were done,
returned smiting their
breasts. 49 And all his
acquaintance, and the
women that followed
with him from Galilee,
stood afar off,
seeing these things.

Many ancient authorities read so cried out, and gave up the ghost.

Or, sanctuary.

Or, a son of God.

Gr. little.

§ 167. The Burial of the Body of Jesus in the Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea After Proof of His Death

Friday afternoon before 6 P.M.

John 19:31-42

31 The Jews therefore, because it was the Preparation, that the bodies
should not remain on the cross upon the sabbath (for the day of that
sabbath was a high day), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken,
and that they might be taken away. 32 The soldiers therefore came, and
brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him:
33 but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they
brake not his legs: 34 howbeit one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his
side, and straightway there came out blood and water. 35 And he that hath
seen hath borne witness, and his witness is true: and he knoweth that he
saith true, that ye also may believe. 36 For these things came to pass, that
the scripture might be fulfilled [see Ex. 12:46; Num. 9:12; Ps. 34:20], A
bone of him shall not be broken. 37 And again another scripture saith
[see Zech. 12:10. Deut. 21:22-23; Ex. 34:24], They shall look on him
whom they pierced.

Mark 15:42-46 Matt. 27:57-60 Luke 23:50-54 John 19:31-42

42 And when
even was now
come, because
it was the
Preparation,
that is, the day
before the
sabbath, 43 there
came Joseph of
Arimathæa, a
councillor of
honourable
estate,

who also
himself was
looking for the
kingdom of
God;

and
he boldly went
in unto Pilate,
and asked for
the body of
Jesus. 44 And
Pilate marvelled
if he were
already dead:
and calling
unto him the
centurion, he
asked him whether
he had been
any while dead.
45 And when he
learned it of
the centurion,
he granted the
corpse to
Joseph.

46 And he
bought a linen
cloth, and taking
him down,
wound him in
the linen cloth,

and laid him in
a tomb which
had been hewn
out of a rock;
and he rolled
a stone against
the door of the
tomb. 57 And when
even was come,

there came a
rich man from
Arimathæa,
named Joseph,

who also
himself was
Jesus' disciple:

58 this man went
to Pilate, and
asked for the
body of Jesus.

Then Pilate
commanded it
to be given up.

59 And Joseph
took the body,
and wrapped
it in a clean
linen cloth,

60 and laid it in
his own new
tomb, which
he had hewn
out in the rock:
and he rolled a
great stone to
the door of the
tomb, and
departed.

50 And behold,
a man named
Joseph, who
was a councillor,
a good man and
a righteous
51 (he had
not consented
to their
counsel and
deed), a man of
Arimathæa, a
city of the
Jews, who was
looking for the
kingdom of
God:

52 this man
went to Pilate,
and asked for
the body of
Jesus.

53 And he took
it down, and
wrapped it in
a linen cloth,

and laid him
in a tomb that
was hewn in
stone, where
never man had
yet lain. 54 And
it was the day of
the Preparation,
and the
sabbath drew
on.

38 And after
these things
Joseph of
Arimathæa,

being a
disciple of Jesus,

but secretly
for fear of the
Jews, asked of
Pilate that he
might take
away the body
of Jesus: and

Pilate gave
him leave. He
came therefore,
and took away
his body. 39 And
there came also
Nicodemus, he
who at the first
came to him by
night, bringing
a mixture
of myrrh and
aloes, about a
hundred pound
weight. 40 So
they took the
body of Jesus,
and bound it in
linen cloths with
the spices, as
the custom of
the Jews is to
bury. 41 Now in
the place where
he was crucified
there was
a garden; and
in the garden
a new tomb
wherein was
never man yet
laid [see Deut.
21:22-23].
42 There then
because of the
Jews' Preparation
(for the tomb was
nigh at hand)
they laid Jesus.

Many ancient authorities read were already dead.

Gr. began to dawn.

Or, crushed.

Some ancient authorities read roll.

§ 168. The Watch of the Women by the Tomb of Jesus

The women maintain their watch and rest on the Sabbath (beginning 6 P.M.) while the Pharisees have a guard of Roman soldiers to keep watch over the Roman seal on the tomb.

Friday afternoon till Saturday afternoon

Mark 15:47 Matt. 27:61-66 Luke 23:55-56

47 And Mary
Magdalene and Mary
the mother of Joses
beheld where he was
laid. 61 And
Mary Magdalene was
there, and the other
Mary, sitting over
against the sepulchre.

62 Now on the
morrow, which is
the day after the
Preparation, the
chief priests and the
Pharisees were
gathered together
unto Pilate, 63 saying,
Sir, we remember
that that deceiver
said, while he was
yet alive, After three
days I rise again.
64 Command
therefore that the
sepulchre be made
sure until the third
day, lest haply his
disciples come and
steal him away, and
say unto the people,
He is risen from the
dead: and the last
error will be worse
than the first. 65 Pilate
said unto them, Ye
have a guard: go your
way, make it as sure
as ye can. 66 So they
went, and made the
sepulchre sure,
sealing the stone, the
guard being with
them. 55 And the women,
which had come with
him out of Galilee,
followed after, and
beheld the tomb, and
how his body was
laid.
56 And they
returned, and prepared
spices and ointments.
And on the
sabbatha they rested
according to the
commandment [see
Ex. 12:16; 20:8-11;
Deut. 5:12-15].

Or, Take a guard.

Gr. make it sure, as ye know.

a Luke (23:54) notes that "the Sabbath drew on" after the burial on Friday afternoon. The Sabbath began at 6 P.M. Then Luke notes that the women rested during the Sabbath (our Friday night and Saturday).