The ministry of John the Baptist 3 studies
From the second to the third Passover festival 3 studies
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 1 study
The last week before the arrest 3 studies
The last day up to the crucifixion 5 studies
Reliability of the Scriptures and other doctrinal topics 1 study
Contradictions 1 study
The ministry of John the Baptist
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PER038
The first Passover festival
Pericope PER038 analyses the first Passover festival in John’s Gospel (John 2:13), dated precisely to 7 April 30. The article makes three observations: the festival’s chronological value for dating Jesus’ ministry over three and a half years, John’s distinction of the ‘Passover of the Jews’, and Jesus’ observance of Jewish rites. John alone records this period before John the Baptist’s arrest.
John 2.13 (King James Version) :And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER039
The merchants driven out of the Temple
Pericope 39 studies Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple as reported by John (John 2:14–22). The author argues for two distinct events three years apart. The first takes place during the first Passover of Jesus’ ministry (7 April 30). The article explores the historical context of Herod’s Temple, the role of Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, and two key lessons: Jesus’ zeal for God’s house and the prophetic announcement of his resurrection.
Mark 11.15-17 (King James Version) :And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER040
The results in Jerusalem
Pericope 40 analyses the results of Jesus’ first preaching in Jerusalem during Passover in the year 30, according to John 2:23–25. Although many believed because of the miracles, Jesus remains reserved about this superficial faith, based on spectacle rather than sincere repentance. John emphasises Jesus’ divine ability to know the human heart. The article identifies two key points: the extended stay in Jerusalem and the divine nature of the Messiah’s discernment.
John 2.23-25 (King James Version) :Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the second to the third Passover festival
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PER069
The second Passover festival in Jerusalem
This article analyses Jesus' second Passover pilgrimage to Jerusalem, mentioned in John 5:1. Although John does not explicitly name Passover, the chronological context suggests this event. Jesus takes this opportunity to preach and debate with the religious authorities. The interactions take place in the Temple court at a time when pilgrims flock to Jerusalem, giving Jesus a diverse audience for his teaching.
Luke 6.1 (King James Version) :And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER072
Testimonies confirming that of Jesus the Messiah
The article discusses the testimonies confirming that Jesus is the Messiah, notably those of John the Baptist and the divine miracles, in John's tradition. The setting is Jerusalem after Passover in March AD 31. Jesus criticises the religious authorities who do not recognise him and invokes Moses as a precursor. Some, such as Nicodemus, will convert.
Numbers 24.17 (King James Version) :I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER167
The Messiah Jesus withdraws with his disciples
PER167 describes the withdrawal of Jesus and his disciples to Bethsaida to rest after an intense evangelistic mission in Galilee, just before the Passover of April AD 32. The synoptic analysis of Matthew 14,13-14, Mark 6,31-32, Luke 9,10-11 and John 6,1-4 shows points of agreement and nuances: the desire for seclusion, being followed by the crowd, healings and teaching. This episode comes directly before the multiplication of the loaves.
Luke 9.10-11 (King James Version) :And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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PER169
The multiplication of the loaves for the 5,000 people
The multiplication of the loaves for 5,000 men is a miracle attested by all four evangelists, set near Bethsaida in April AD 32. With only five loaves and two fish, Jesus feeds an immense crowd, illustrating his divine power and his shepherd's compassion, and foreshadowing the Eucharist. The twelve baskets left over symbolize the abundance of the Kingdom of God.
John 6.1-14 (King James Version) :After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The last week before the arrest
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PER275
Arrival at the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary
This article explores Jesus’ arrival in Bethany, highlighting the importance of this moment before the Passion. Bethany, a place of calm and friendship, stands in contrast to the tumultuous events in Jerusalem. The article looks at the symbolism of this last stage in Jesus’ mission, as reported by the Gospel of John.
John 12.1 (King James Version) :Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER284
Cleansing of the Temple (second time)
Jesus' second cleansing of the Temple, on Monday, March 28, AD 33, is a prophetic and symbolic act. By driving the sellers out of the Court of the Gentiles and quoting Isaiah and Jeremiah, Jesus denounces the corruption of worship, asserts his messianic authority and announces the coming judgment on the Temple. This event hastens the decision of the religious leaders to put him to death.
Matthew 21.12-13 (King James Version) :And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER286
Daily Teaching in the Temple
Pericope 286 describes Jesus’ daily teaching in the Temple of Jerusalem during Passover week (Monday, March 28, AD 33). Based mainly on Luke 19,47-48, it presents the growing opposition between the admiring crowds and the hostile religious authorities — scribes, chief priests, Sadducees and Pharisees — who seek to silence Jesus, whose message of the Kingdom of God threatens their established power.
Luke 19.47-48 (King James Version) :And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
The last day up to the crucifixion
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PER309
Preparation of the Passover
This article focuses on Jesus and his disciples preparing the Passover. It explores the biblical accounts of this moment, the merging of the Passover and Unleavened Bread festivities, and the practical adaptations of traditional practices in the face of the influx of worshippers in Jerusalem.
Deuteronomy 16.1-8 (King James Version) :Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.Notesacrifice: or, killNotesolemn…: Heb. restraintThou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there.Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread therewith, even the bread of affliction; for thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that thou mayest remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of thy life.And there shall be no leavened bread seen with thee in all thy coast seven days; neither shall there any thing of the flesh, which thou sacrificedst the first day at even, remain all night until the morning.Thou mayest not sacrifice the passover within any of thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee:But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt.And thou shalt roast and eat it in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: and thou shalt turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents.Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work therein.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER326
The Messiah Jesus and his disciples sing the psalms
The article examines the singing of the psalms by Jesus and his disciples after the Passover. Rooted in Jewish tradition, this moment takes on a particular spiritual significance for Jesus, as a prelude to his crucifixion.
John 13.30 (King James Version) :He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER345
The release of a prisoner
During the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor tries to use the Passover custom of releasing a prisoner in order to avoid condemning Jesus. He offers the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious criminal, convinced that the people will make the right choice. His wife's intervention strengthens his hesitation. This scene, attested by all four gospels, illustrates the manipulation by the religious authorities and theologically prefigures redemptive substitution.
John 19.15 (King James Version) :But they 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.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER357
The Death of the Messiah Jesus
Pericope PER357 analyzes the death of Jesus on the cross at Golgotha, on Friday, April 1, AD 33, around 3 p.m., drawing on the four Gospel accounts. Matthew and Mark are very close; Luke reports the last words of Jesus and the reaction of the centurion; John, a direct witness, gives details of the events after his death and their prophetic fulfillment. The article includes a precise chronology of the three days and three nights according to the Jewish calendar.
Zechariah 12.10 (King James Version) :And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER358
John's Added Details
John 19.31-37 reports details found only in his account of the events following Jesus' death: the Jewish authorities' request to have the bodies removed before the Passover Sabbath, the crurifragium applied to the robbers but not to Jesus, who was already dead, and the spear piercing his side. John, an eyewitness, attests the reality of Christ's death and the fulfillment of the Scriptures concerning the Passover Lamb.
John 19.35 (King James Version) :And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Reliability of the Scriptures and other doctrinal topics
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CHR009
The debate over the date of Jesus’ death
The article analyzes the proposed dates of Jesus’ death, 7 April AD 30 and 1 April AD 33, based on the Gospels, history, and astronomical calculations.
John 19.31 (King James Version) :The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Contradictions
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CTD038
The exact day of the last Passover meal?
The article explores apparent differences between the Gospels concerning the chronology of the crucifixion in relation to Passover. Different Jewish calendars explain these differences, leading to the conclusion that the texts are compatible.
John 19.14 (King James Version) :And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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ANN027
The Last Passover Meal
The article analyzes the chronology of the last Passover according to the Gospels, emphasizing that Jesus was crucified on Friday, April 1, 33, in accordance…