From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 1 study
The last day up to the crucifixion 5 studies
Historical notes 1 study
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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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.
John 9.2-3 (King James Version) :And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The last day up to the crucifixion
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PER339
The abuse begins
The article deals with the mistreatment inflicted on Jesus before the crucifixion, centered on the interpretation of the Gospel accounts. It explores how the Sanhedrin manipulated the accusations to obtain the support of the Roman authorities, turning a religious accusation into political sedition.
John 18.19-24 (King James Version) :The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.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.
Luke 23.23 (King James Version) :And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.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.
Mark 15.21-22 (King James Version) :And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.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.
Luke 23.50-51 (King James Version) :And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathæa, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.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.
Matthew 27.51 (King James Version) :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 rent;King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Historical notes
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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