• PER344 The Return before Pontius Pilate

    Pericope PER344 analyzes Jesus’ return before Pontius Pilate after his appearance before Herod Antipas, an episode reported only by Luke. Pilate, finding no fault deserving death under Roman law, tries to resist the pressure of the Jewish religious leaders. The article offers a precise chronological reconstruction of the morning of the Friday of the Passion and raises the linguistic question of the exchanges between Jesus and Pilate, which were most likely held in Greek.

    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
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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.

    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
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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.

    Matthew 27.26 (King James Version) :
    Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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.

    John 19.6 (King James Version) :
    When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate