Studies 1 to 3
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PER341
The presentation to Pontius Pilate
Pericope PER341 reconstructs the presentation of Jesus before Pontius Pilate on Friday morning, around 6:45 a.m., after his nighttime condemnation by the Sanhedrin. Cross-referencing Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the article analyzes the precise chronology, the role of Caiaphas, the refusal of the religious leaders to enter the Praetorium, and the dialogue between Jesus and Pilate, the only one empowered to pronounce a capital sentence.
Luke 23.1-5 (King James Version) :And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER342
The tragic end of Judas Iscariot
Only Matthew reports the tragic end of Judas Iscariot. After Jesus is condemned, overwhelmed with remorse, Judas throws the thirty pieces of silver into the sanctuary of the Temple and takes his own life. The priests use this money to buy the potter’s field, called Hakeldama. This episode illustrates the irreversibility of betrayal and the despair of a man unable to accept forgiveness.
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 -
PER343
Presentation to “king” Antipas
Jesus is sent by Pilate before Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee, who is in Jerusalem. Fascinated by the spectacular, Herod hopes for a miracle but meets with Jesus’ total silence. Offended, he mocks him, puts a splendid robe on him and sends him back to Pilate. Ironically, this episode reconciles Pilate and Herod. Only Luke reports this appearance (Luke 23.6-12), which took place around 7:30 a.m. on the Friday morning of the Passion.
Luke 23.6-12 (King James Version) :When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilæan.And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org