• PER347 The various abuses and the flogging

    PER347 analyzes the scourging and the abuse inflicted on Jesus in the praetorium of Pontius Pilate, on the Friday morning of the Passion. A standardized Roman practice preceding crucifixion, this punishment is accompanied by the soldiers’ mockery (crown of thorns, purple robe). The article compares the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in a synoptic approach, highlighting Roman institutional violence and the dignity Jesus retained despite the outrages.

    Mark 15.17-19 (King James Version) :
    And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER349 Pilate's titulus

    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.

    Matthew 27.32 (King James Version) :
    And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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.

    Matthew 27.32 (King James Version) :
    And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER353 The division of the garments and the mockery

    The passage PER353 analyzes the division of Jesus’ garments and the mockery during his crucifixion at Golgotha. The four Gospels agree on this episode: the soldiers cast lots for the seamless tunic, fulfilling Psalm 22.19. Luke reports Jesus’ prayer of forgiveness for his executioners, Mark his cry of abandonment, and Matthew the taunts of the passersby and the religious leaders. This synoptic article brings out the theological richness of each Gospel account.

    John 19.23-24 (King James Version) :
    Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.They said therefore among themselves, 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 raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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.

    Luke 23.46 (King James Version) :
    And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate