Jesus Before Pilate
(Matthew 27:11-14; John 18:28-40)
1And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. 2And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. 3And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. 4Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. 5And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.
6When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.
Jesus Before Herod
7And 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.
8And 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. 9Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. 10And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. 11And 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. 12And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
(Matthew 27:15-23; Mark 15:6-11)
13And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: 15No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. 16I will therefore chastise him, and release him. 17(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)
18And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: 19(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) 20Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. 21But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. 22And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. 23And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. 24And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. 25And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
The Crucifixion
(Psalm 69:1-36; Matthew 27:32-44; Mark 15:21-32; John 19:16-27)
26And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.
27And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. 28But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. 29For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. 30Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. 31For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
32And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
33And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 35And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 36And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 37And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. 38And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
The Death of Jesus
(Psalm 22:1-31; Matthew 27:45-56; Mark 15:33-41; John 19:28-30)
44And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 46And 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. 47Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. 48And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. 49And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
The Burial of Jesus
(Isaiah 53:9-12; Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; John 19:38-42)
50And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and a just: 51(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. 52This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. 53And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. 54And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. 55And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. 56And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
King James Bible
Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.
Jesus before Pilate
(Matthew 27:11–14; John 18:28–40)
1 The whole company of them rose up and brought him before Pilate. 2 They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting the nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “So you say.” 4 Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” 5 But they insisted, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place.”
Jesus before Herod
6 But when Pilate heard Galilee mentioned, he asked if the man was a Galilean.
7 When he found out that he was in Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days.
8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard many things about him. He hoped to see some miracle done by him. 9 He questioned him with many words, but he gave no answers. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him. 11 Herod with his soldiers humiliated him and mocked him. Dressing him in luxurious clothing, they sent him back to Pilate. 12 Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before that they were enemies with each other.
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
(Matthew 27:15–23; Mark 15:6–11)
13 Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought this man to me as one that perverts the people, and see, I have examined him before you, and found no basis for a charge against this man concerning those things of which you accuse him. 15 Neither has Herod, for I sent you to him, and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore chastise him and release him.” 17 Now he had to release one prisoner to them at the feast.
18 But they all cried out together, saying, “Away with this man! Release to us Barabbas!”— 19 one who was thrown into prison for a certain revolt in the city, and for murder. 20 Then Pilate spoke to them again, wanting to release Jesus, 21 but they shouted, saying, “Crucify! Crucify him!” 22 He said to them the third time, “Why? What evil has this man done? I have found no capital crime in him. I will therefore chastise him and release him.” 23 But they were urgent with loud voices, asking that he might be crucified. Their voices and the voices of the chief priests prevailed. 24 Pilate decreed that what they asked for should be done. 25 He released him who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus up to their will.
The Crucifixion
(Psalm 22:1–31; Matthew 27:32–44; Mark 15:21–32; John 19:16–27)
26 When they led him away, they grabbed one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it after Jesus.
27 A great multitude of the people followed him, including women who also mourned and lamented him. 28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ 30 Then they will begin to tell the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and tell the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?”
32 There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death.
33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots. 35 The people stood watching. The rulers with them also scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen one!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar, 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
39 One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!” 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Don’t you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 43 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
The Death of Jesus
(Psalm 31:1–24; Matthew 27:45–56; Mark 15:33–41; John 19:28–30)
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 45 The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last. 47 When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous man.” 48 All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts. 49 All his acquaintances, and the women who followed with him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
The Burial of Jesus
(Isaiah 53:9–12; Matthew 27:57–61; Mark 15:42–47; John 19:38–42)
50 Behold, a man named Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man 51 (he had not consented to their counsel and deed), from Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who was also waiting for the Kingdom of God: 52 this man went to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body. 53 He took it down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid. 54 It was the day of the Preparation, and the Sabbath was drawing near. 55 The women, who had come with him out of Galilee, followed after, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid. 56 They returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
Jesus before Pilate
(Matthew 27:11–14; John 18:28–40)
1 Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”
3 So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
“You have said so,” Jesus replied.
4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
5 But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the people all over Judea with His teaching. He began in Galilee and has come all the way here.”
Jesus before Herod
6 When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. 7 And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time.
8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle. 9 Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.
10 Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him. 11 And even Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate.
12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this time they had been enemies.
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
(Matthew 27:15–23; Mark 15:6–11)
13 Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him. 15 Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death. 16 Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” a
18 But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19 (Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate addressed them again, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
22 A third time he said to them, “What evil has this man done? I have found in Him no offense worthy of death. So after I punish Him, I will release Him.”
23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices for Jesus to be crucified. And their clamor b prevailed. 24 So Pilate sentenced that their demand be met. 25 As they had requested, he released the one imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and handed Jesus over to their will.
The Crucifixion
(Psalm 22:1–31; Matthew 27:32–44; Mark 15:21–32; John 19:16–27)
26 As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus.
27 A great number of people followed Him, including women who kept mourning and wailing for Him. 28 But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 Look, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore, and breasts that never nursed!’ 30 At that time
‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”
and to the hills, “Cover us!” ’ c
31 For if men do these things while the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
32 Two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Jesus.
33 When they came to the place called The Skull, d they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left.
34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” e And they divided up His garments by casting lots. f
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, g saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”
36 The soldiers also mocked Him and came up to offer Him sour wine. h 37 “If You are the King of the Jews,” they said, “save Yourself!”
38 Above Him was posted an inscription: i
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. “Are You not the Christ?” he said. “Save Yourself and us!”
40 But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment? 41 We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me j when You come into Your kingdom!”
43 And Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
The Death of Jesus
(Psalm 31:1–24; Matthew 27:45–56; Mark 15:33–41; John 19:28–30)
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour. k 45 The sun was darkened, l and the veil of the temple was torn down the middle.
46 Then Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” m And when He had said this, He breathed His last.
47 When the centurion saw what had happened, he gave glory to God, saying, “Surely this was a righteous man. n” 48 And when all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts. 49 But all those who knew Jesus, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching these things.
The Burial of Jesus
(Isaiah 53:9–12; Matthew 27:57–61; Mark 15:42–47; John 19:38–42)
50 Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea, and was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was beginning. o
55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how His body was placed. 56 Then they returned to prepare spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath, according to the commandment.
Footnotes:
16 a BYZ and TR include 17Now Pilate was obligated to release to the people one prisoner at the feast ; see Matthew 27:15 and Mark 15:6.
23 b BYZ and TR include and that of the chief priests .
30 c Hosea 10:8
33 d Greek Kranion ; Vulgate Calvariae , rendered in some translations as Calvary
34 e Some manuscripts do not include Then Jesus said, “Father... what they are doing.”
34 f See Psalm 22:18.
35 g See Psalm 22:7.
36 h Or to offer Him wine vinegar
38 i BYZ and TR include written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew ; see John 19:20.
42 j BYZ and TR said to Jesus, “Remember me, Lord,
44 k That is, from noon until three in the afternoon
45 l Or failed or was obscured ; BYZ and TR became dark
46 m Psalm 31:5
47 n Or an innocent man
54 o Or was about to begin
Jesus Before Pilate
(Matthew 27:11-14; John 18:28-40)
1And having risen, the whole multitude of them did lead him to Pilate, 2and began to accuse him, saying, 'This one we found perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying himself to be Christ a king.' 3And Pilate questioned him, saying, 'Thou art the king of the Jews?' and he answering him, said, 'Thou dost say it.' 4And Pilate said unto the chief priests, and the multitude, 'I find no fault in this man;' 5and they were the more urgent, saying -- 'He doth stir up the people, teaching throughout the whole of Judea -- having begun from Galilee -- unto this place.'
6And Pilate having heard of Galilee, questioned if the man is a Galilean,
Jesus Before Herod
7and having known that he is from the jurisdiction of Herod, he sent him back unto Herod, he being also in Jerusalem in those days.
8And Herod having seen Jesus did rejoice exceedingly, for he was wishing for a long time to see him, because of hearing many things about him, and he was hoping some sign to see done by him, 9and was questioning him in many words, and he answered him nothing. 10And the chief priests and the scribes stood vehemently accusing him, 11and Herod with his soldiers having set him at nought, and having mocked, having put around him gorgeous apparel, did send him back to Pilate, 12and both Pilate and Herod became friends on that day with one another, for they were before at enmity between themselves.
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
(Matthew 27:15-23; Mark 15:6-11)
13And Pilate having called together the chief priests, and the rulers, and the people, 14said unto them, 'Ye brought to me this man as perverting the people, and lo, I before you having examined, found in this man no fault in those things ye bring forward against him; 15no, nor yet Herod, for I sent you back unto him, and lo, nothing worthy of death is having been done by him; 16having chastised, therefore, I will release him,' 17for it was necessary for him to release to them one at every feast,
18and they cried out -- the whole multitude -- saying, 'Away with this one, and release to us Barabbas,' 19who had been, because of a certain sedition made in the city, and murder, cast into prison. 20Pilate again then -- wishing to release Jesus -- called to them, 21but they were calling out, saying, 'Crucify, crucify him.' 22And he a third time said unto them, 'Why, what evil did he? no cause of death did I find in him; having chastised him, then, I will release him.' 23And they were pressing with loud voices asking him to be crucified, and their voices, and those of the chief priests, were prevailing, 24and Pilate gave judgment for their request being done, 25and he released him who because of sedition and murder hath been cast into the prison, whom they were asking, and Jesus he gave up to their will.
The Crucifixion
(Psalm 69:1-36; Matthew 27:32-44; Mark 15:21-32; John 19:16-27)
26And as they led him away, having taken hold on Simon, a certain Cyrenian, coming from the field, they put on him the cross, to bear it behind Jesus.
27And there was following him a great multitude of the people, and of women, who also were beating themselves and lamenting him, 28and Jesus having turned unto them, said, 'Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but for yourselves weep ye, and for your children; 29for, lo, days do come, in which they shall say, Happy the barren, and wombs that did not bare, and paps that did not give suck; 30then they shall begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us, and to the hills, Cover us; -- 31for, if in the green tree they do these things -- in the dry what may happen?'
32And there were also others -- two evil-doers -- with him, to be put to death;
33and when they came to the place that is called Skull, there they crucified him and the evil-doers, one on the right hand and one on the left. 34And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they have not known what they do;' and parting his garments they cast a lot. 35And the people were standing, looking on, and the rulers also were sneering with them, saying, 'Others he saved, let him save himself, if this be the Christ, the choice one of God.' 36And mocking him also were the soldiers, coming near and offering vinegar to him, 37and saying, 'If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.' 38And there was also a superscription written over him, in letters of Greek, and Roman, and Hebrew, 'This is the King of the Jews.'
39And one of the evil-doers who were hanged, was speaking evil of him, saying, 'If thou be the Christ, save thyself and us.' 40And the other answering, was rebuking him, saying, 'Dost thou not even fear God, that thou art in the same judgment? 41and we indeed righteously, for things worthy of what we did we receive back, but this one did nothing out of place;' 42and he said to Jesus, 'Remember me, lord, when thou mayest come in thy reign;' 43and Jesus said to him, 'Verily I say to thee, To-day with me thou shalt be in the paradise.'
The Death of Jesus
(Psalm 22:1-31; Matthew 27:45-56; Mark 15:33-41; John 19:28-30)
44And it was, as it were, the sixth hour, and darkness came over all the land till the ninth hour, 45and the sun was darkened, and the vail of the sanctuary was rent in the midst, 46and having cried with a loud voice, Jesus said, 'Father, to Thy hands I commit my spirit;' and these things having said, he breathed forth the spirit. 47And the centurion having seen what was done, did glorify God, saying, 'Really this man was righteous;' 48and all the multitudes who were come together to this sight, beholding the things that came to pass, smiting their breasts did turn back; 49and all his acquaintances stood afar off, and women who did follow him from Galilee, beholding these things.
The Burial of Jesus
(Isaiah 53:9-12; Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; John 19:38-42)
50And lo, a man, by name Joseph, being a counsellor, a man good and righteous, 51 -- he was not consenting to their counsel and deed -- from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who also himself was expecting the reign of God, 52he, having gone near to Pilate, asked the body of Jesus, 53and having taken it down, he wrapped it in fine linen, and placed it in a tomb hewn out, where no one was yet laid. 54And the day was a preparation, and sabbath was approaching, 55and the women also who have come with him out of Galilee having followed after, beheld the tomb, and how his body was placed, 56and having turned back, they made ready spices and ointments, and on the sabbath, indeed, they rested, according to the command.
The Favor of God Message paraphrase
¹ Then the whole assembly rose and led Jesus off to Pilate. ² They began to accuse Him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes paying taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.”
³ So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are You the king of the Jews?”
“You have said so,” Jesus replied.
⁴ Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
⁵ But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by His teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.”
Jesus Before Herod
⁶ On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. ⁷ When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
⁸ When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see Him. From what he had heard about Him, he hoped to see Him perform a sign of some sort.
⁹ He plied Him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰ The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing Him. ¹¹ Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in an elegant robe, they sent Him back to Pilate.
¹² That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.
Jesus Sentenced to Be Crucified
¹³ Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, ¹⁴ and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against Him. ¹⁵ Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; as you can see, He has done nothing to deserve death. ¹⁶ Therefore, I will punish Him and then release Him.”
¹⁷ Now it was customary at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested.
¹⁸ But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!”
¹⁹ (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
²⁰ Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again.
²¹ But they kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
²² For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in Him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore, I will have Him punished and then release Him.”
²³ But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that He be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. ²⁴ So Pilate decided to grant their demand. ²⁵ He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.
The Crucifixion of Jesus
²⁶ As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. ²⁷ A large number of people followed Him, including women who mourned and wailed for Him.
²⁸ Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me; weep for yourselves and for your children. ²⁹ For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ ³⁰ Then “‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ ³¹ For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
³² Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Him to be executed. ³³ When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals—one on His right, the other on His left. ³⁴ Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His clothes by casting lots.
³⁵ The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at Him. They said, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”
³⁶ The soldiers also came up and mocked Him. They offered Him wine vinegar ³⁷ and said, “If You are the king of the Jews, save Yourself.”
³⁸ There was a written notice above Him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
³⁹ One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!”
⁴⁰ But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
⁴³ Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”
The Death of Jesus
⁴⁴ It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, ⁴⁵ for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. ⁴⁶ Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” When He had said this, He breathed His last.
⁴⁷ The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.”
⁴⁸ When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. ⁴⁹ But all those who knew Him, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
The Favor of God Message paraphrase
⁵⁰ Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and righteous man, ⁵¹ who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and was waiting for the kingdom of God. ⁵² Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. ⁵³ Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. ⁵⁴ It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. ⁵⁵ The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how His body was laid in it. ⁵⁶ Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
Footnotes:
23:3: Jesus’ response affirms His kingship in a way that acknowledges Pilate’s question but avoids direct confrontation.
23:38: The notice above Jesus’ head was intended as a mocking declaration of His crime but unwittingly affirmed the truth.
23:43: Jesus’ promise to the repentant criminal highlights His mission to save even in His final moments.
23:45: The tearing of the temple curtain symbolized the removal of barriers between God and humanity, fulfilling Jesus’ work.
23:46: Jesus’ final words reveal His trust in the Father, even in death.
23:50: Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy and respected member of the Council, but unlike many, he awaited the true kingdom of God.
23:53: Jesus being laid in a tomb where no one had been laid symbolizes His uniqueness, set apart even in death.
23:54: The mention of Preparation Day highlights the Jewish customs and the approaching Sabbath, adding urgency to the burial.
23:55: The women’s faithfulness in following Jesus to His burial foreshadows their role as the first witnesses of His resurrection.
23:56: Their observance of the Sabbath, even in grief, shows the deep reverence they had for God’s law, despite their sorrow.
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