Matthew Chapter 27

Updated: September 14, 2025

Jesus Delivered to Pilate

(Mark 15:1-5)

1When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: 2And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

Judas Hangs Himself

(Zechariah 11:10-17; Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11)

3Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. 5And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. 7And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. 8Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. 9Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; 10And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

Jesus Before Pilate

(Luke 23:1-6; John 18:28-40)

11And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. 12And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. 13Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? 14And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas

(Mark 15:6-11; Luke 23:13-25)

15Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. 16And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. 17Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? 18For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

19When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. 20But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 21The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. 22Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 23And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

Pilate Washes his Hands

(Mark 15:12-15)

24When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 25Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. 26Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

(Isaiah 50:4-11; Mark 15:16-20; Luke 22:63-65; John 19:1-15)

27Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. 28And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 29And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 30And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. 31And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

The Crucifixion

(Psalm 69:1-36; Mark 15:21-32; Luke 23:26-43; John 19:16-27)

32And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

33And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

35And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36And sitting down they watched him there; 37And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

38Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. 39And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 40And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. 41Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. 43He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 44The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

The Death of Jesus

(Psalm 22:1-31; Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-30)

45Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 47Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. 48And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. 49The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. 50Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. 54Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

55And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: 56Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.

The Burial of Jesus

(Isaiah 53:9-12; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)

57When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: 58He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. 61And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

The Guard at the Tomb

62Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 65Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Jesus Delivered to Pilate
(Mark 15:1–5)

1 Now when morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: 2 and they bound him, and led him away, and delivered him up to Pontius Pilate, the governor.

Judas Hangs Himself
(Zechariah 11:10–17)

3 Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? You see to it.” 5 He threw down the pieces of silver in the sanctuary, and departed. He went away and hanged himself. 6 The chief priests took the pieces of silver, and said, “It’s not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of blood.” 7 They took counsel, and bought the potter’s field with them, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field was called “The Field of Blood” to this day. 9 Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying, “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him upon whom a price had been set, whom some of the children of Israel priced, 10 and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”

Jesus before Pilate
(Luke 23:1–5; John 18:28–40)

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “So you say.” 12 When he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. 13 Then Pilate said to him, “Don’t you hear how many things they testify against you?” 14 He gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
(Mark 15:6–11; Luke 23:13–25)

15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they desired. 16 They had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that because of envy they had delivered him up.

19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.” 20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 21 But the governor answered them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” 22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do to Jesus, who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let him be crucified!” 23 But the governor said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, saying, “Let him be crucified!”

Pilate Washes His Hands
(Mark 15:12–15)

24 So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this righteous person. You see to it.” 25 All the people answered, “May his blood be on us, and on our children!” 26 Then he released to them Barabbas, but Jesus he flogged and delivered to be crucified.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus
(Isaiah 50:4–11; Mark 15:16–20; Luke 22:63–65; John 19:1–15)

27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium, and gathered the whole garrison together against him. 28 They stripped him, and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31 When they had mocked him, they took the robe off of him, and put his clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him.

The Crucifixion
(Psalm 22:1–31; Mark 15:21–32; Luke 23:26–43; John 19:16–27)

32 As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, and they compelled him to go with them, that he might carry his cross.

33 They came to a place called “Golgotha,” that is to say, “The place of a skull.” 34 They gave him sour wine to drink mixed with gall. When he had tasted it, he would not drink.

35 When they had crucified him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots, 36 and they sat and watched him there. 37 They set up over his head the accusation against him written, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

38 Then there were two robbers crucified with him, one on his right hand and one on the left. 39 Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, 40 and saying, “You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” 41 Likewise the chief priests also mocking, with the scribes, the Pharisees, and the elders, said, 42 “He saved others, but he can’t save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God deliver him now, if he wants him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 The robbers also who were crucified with him cast on him the same reproach.

The Death of Jesus
(Psalm 22:1–31; Mark 15:33–41; Luke 23:44–49; John 19:28–30)

45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 Some of them who stood there, when they heard it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 Immediately one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him a drink. 49 The rest said, “Let him be. Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.” 50 Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit. 51 Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 Now the centurion, and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

55 Many women were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

The Burial of Jesus
(Isaiah 53:9–12; Mark 15:42–47; Luke 23:50–56; John 19:38–42)

57 When evening had come, a rich man from Arimathaea, named Joseph, who himself was also Jesus’ disciple came. 58 This man went to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given up. 59 Joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock, and he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb, and departed. 61 Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

The Guards at the Tomb

62 Now on the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together to Pilate, 63 saying, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal him away, and tell the people, ‘He is risen from the dead;’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone.

Jesus Delivered to Pilate
(Mark 15:1–5)

1 When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death. 2 They bound Him, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate the governor.

Judas Hangs Himself
(Zechariah 11:10–17)

3 When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. 4 “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said.

“What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.”

5 So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

6 The chief priests picked up the pieces of silver and said, “It is unlawful to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” 7 After conferring together, they used the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. 8 That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:

“They took the thirty pieces of silver,

the price set on Him by the people of Israel,

10 and they gave them for the potter’s field,

as the Lord had commanded me.” a

Jesus before Pilate
(Luke 23:1–5; John 18:28–40)

11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?”

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

12 And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer.

13 Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?”

14 But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
(Mark 15:6–11; Luke 23:13–25)

15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing. 16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. b 17 So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.

19 While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.”

20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.

21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.

“Barabbas,” they replied.

22 “What then should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked.

They all answered, “Crucify Him!”

23 “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?”

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”

Pilate Washes His Hands
(Mark 15:12–15)

24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood, c” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”

25 All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”

26 So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus
(Isaiah 50:4–11; Mark 15:16–20; Luke 22:63–65; John 19:1–15)

27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company around Him. 28 They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt down before Him to mock Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly.

31 After they had mocked Him, they removed the robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him.

The Crucifixion
(Psalm 22:1–31; Mark 15:21–32; Luke 23:26–43; John 19:16–27)

32 Along the way they found a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross of Jesus.

33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means The Place of the Skull, 34 they offered Him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, He refused to drink it.

35 When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots. d 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over Him there.

37 Above His head they posted the written charge against Him:

THIS IS JESUS,
THE KING OF THE JEWS.

38 Two robbers e were crucified with Him, one on His right hand and the other on His left.

39 And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!”

41 In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, 42 “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God deliver Him now if He wants Him. f For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

44 In the same way, even the robbers who were crucified with Him berated Him.

The Death of Jesus
(Psalm 22:1–31; Mark 15:33–41; Luke 23:44–49; John 19:28–30)

45 From the sixth hour until the ninth hour g darkness came over all the land. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, h lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” i

47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He is calling Elijah.” 48 One of them quickly ran and brought a sponge. He filled it with sour wine, j put it on a reed, and held it up for Jesus to drink. k

49 But the others said, “Leave Him alone. Let us see if Elijah comes to save Him.” l

50 When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit. 51 At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. 53 After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs, they entered the holy city and appeared to many people.

54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

55 And many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to minister to Him. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

The Burial of Jesus
(Isaiah 53:9–12; Mark 15:42–47; Luke 23:50–56; John 19:38–42)

57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who himself was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut into the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

The Guards at the Tomb

62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and Pharisees assembled before Pilate. 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while He was alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give the order that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him away and tell the people He has risen from the dead. And this last deception would be worse than the first.”

65 “You have a guard,” Pilate said. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard.

Jesus Delivered to Pilate

(Mark 15:1-5)

1And morning having come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus, so as to put him to death; 2and having bound him, they did lead away, and delivered him up to Pontius Pilate, the governor.

Judas Hangs Himself

(Zechariah 11:10-17; Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11)

3Then Judas -- he who delivered him up -- having seen that he was condemned, having repented, brought back the thirty silverlings to the chief priests, and to the elders, saying, 4'I did sin, having delivered up innocent blood;' and they said, 'What -- to us? thou shalt see!' 5and having cast down the silverlings in the sanctuary, he departed, and having gone away, he did strangle himself. 6And the chief priests having taken the silverlings, said, 'It is not lawful to put them to the treasury, seeing it is the price of blood;' 7and having taken counsel, they bought with them the field of the potter, for the burial of strangers; 8therefore was that field called, 'Field of blood,' unto this day. 9Then was fulfilled that spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 'And I took the thirty silverlings, the price of him who hath been priced, whom they of the sons of Israel did price, 10and gave them for the field of the potter, as the Lord did appoint to me.'

Jesus Before Pilate

(Luke 23:1-6; John 18:28-40)

11And Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor did question him, saying, 'Art thou the king of the Jews!' And Jesus said to him, 'Thou sayest.' 12And in his being accused by the chief priests and the elders, he did not answer any thing, 13then saith Pilate to him, 'Dost thou not hear how many things they witness against thee?' 14And he did not answer him, not even to one word, so that the governor did wonder greatly.

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas

(Mark 15:6-11; Luke 23:13-25)

15And at the feast the governor had been accustomed to release one to the multitude, a prisoner, whom they willed, 16and they had then a noted prisoner, called Barabbas, 17they therefore having been gathered together, Pilate said to them, 'Whom will ye I shall release to you? Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?' 18for he had known that because of envy they had delivered him up.

19And as he is sitting on the tribunal, his wife sent unto him, saying, 'Nothing -- to thee and to that righteous one, for many things did I suffer to-day in a dream because of him.' 20And the chief priests and the elders did persuade the multitudes that they might ask for themselves Barabbas, and might destroy Jesus; 21and the governor answering said to them, 'Which of the two will ye that I shall release to you?' And they said, 'Barabbas.' 22Pilate saith to them, 'What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?' They all say to him, 'Let be crucified!' 23And the governor said, 'Why, what evil did he?' and they were crying out the more, saying, 'Let be crucified.'

Pilate Washes his Hands

(Mark 15:12-15)

24And Pilate having seen that it profiteth nothing, but rather a tumult is made, having taken water, he did wash the hands before the multitude, saying, 'I am innocent from the blood of this righteous one; ye -- ye shall see;' 25and all the people answering said, 'His blood is upon us, and upon our children!' 26Then did he release to them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him up that he may be crucified;

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

(Isaiah 50:4-11; Mark 15:16-20; Luke 22:63-65; John 19:1-15)

27then the soldiers of the governor having taken Jesus to the Praetorium, did gather to him all the band; 28and having unclothed him, they put around him a crimson cloak, 29and having plaited him a crown out of thorns they put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand, and having kneeled before him, they were mocking him, saying, 'Hail, the king of the Jews.' 30And having spit on him, they took the reed, and were smiting on his head; 31and when they had mocked him, they took off from him the cloak, and put on him his own garments, and led him away to crucify him.

The Crucifixion

(Psalm 69:1-36; Mark 15:21-32; Luke 23:26-43; John 19:16-27)

32And coming forth, they found a man, a Cyrenian, by name Simon: him they impressed that he might bear his cross;

33and having come to a place called Golgotha, that is called Place of a Skull, 34they gave him to drink vinegar mixed with gall, and having tasted, he would not drink.

35And having crucified him, they divided his garments, casting a lot, that it might be fulfilled that was spoken by the prophet, 'They divided my garments to themselves, and over my vesture they cast a lot;' 36and sitting down, they were watching him there, 37and they put up over his head, his accusation written, 'This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.'

38Then crucified with him are two robbers, one on the right hand, and one on the left, 39and those passing by were speaking evil of him, wagging their heads, 40and saying, 'Thou that art throwing down the sanctuary, and in three days building it, save thyself; if Son thou art of God, come down from the cross.' 41And in like manner also the chief priests mocking, with the scribes and elders, said, 42'Others he saved; himself he is not able to save! If he be King of Israel, let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe him; 43he hath trusted on God, let Him now deliver him, if He wish him, because he said -- Son of God I am;' 44with the same also the robbers, who were crucified with him, were reproaching him.

The Death of Jesus

(Psalm 22:1-31; Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-30)

45And from the sixth hour darkness came over all the land unto the ninth hour, 46and about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a great voice, saying, 'Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?' that is, 'My God, my God, why didst Thou forsake me?' 47And certain of those standing there having heard, said -- 'Elijah he doth call;' 48and immediately, one of them having run, and having taken a spunge, having filled it with vinegar, and having put it on a reed, was giving him to drink, 49but the rest said, 'Let alone, let us see if Elijah doth come -- about to save him.' 50And Jesus having again cried with a great voice, yielded the spirit; 51and lo, the vail of the sanctuary was rent in two from top unto bottom, and the earth did quake, and the rocks were rent, 52and the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who have fallen asleep, arose, 53and having come forth out of the tombs after his rising, they went into the holy city, and appeared to many. 54And the centurion, and those with him watching Jesus, having seen the earthquake, and the things that were done, were exceedingly afraid, saying, 'Truly this was God's Son.'

55And there were there many women beholding from afar, who did follow Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56among whom was Mary the Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and of Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

The Burial of Jesus

(Isaiah 53:9-12; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)

57And evening having come, there came a rich man, from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was discipled to Jesus, 58he having gone near to Pilate, asked for himself the body of Jesus; then Pilate commanded the body to be given back. 59And having taken the body, Joseph wrapped it in clean linen, 60and laid it in his new tomb, that he hewed in the rock, and having rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb, he went away; 61and there were there Mary the Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over-against the sepulchre.

The Guard at the Tomb

62And on the morrow that is after the preparation, were gathered together the chief priests, and the Pharisees, unto Pilate, 63saying, 'Sir, we have remembered that that deceiver said while yet living, After three days I do rise; 64command, then, the sepulchre to be made secure till the third day, lest his disciples, having come by night, may steal him away, and may say to the people, He rose from the dead, and the last deceit shall be worse than the first.' 65And Pilate said to them, 'Ye have a watch, go away, make secure -- as ye have known;' 66and they, having gone, did make the sepulchre secure, having sealed the stone, together with the watch.

Jesus Handed Over to Pilate

¹ As dawn broke over Jerusalem, the chief priests and Jewish elders decided on measures to ensure Jesus' crucifixion. ² They bound Him like a common criminal, His hands that had healed now restricted by rough rope. They marched Him through the awakening streets to hand Him over to Pilate, the Roman governor whose authority they secretly despised but now desperately needed.

Judas Hangs Himself

³ When Judas, who had betrayed Jesus, saw that the Messiah was condemned, crushing remorse overwhelmed him. Tormented by guilt, he rushed to return the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and elders – blood money that now burned in his conscience. ⁴ "I have sinned!" he cried out, his voice breaking with anguish. "I have betrayed innocent blood!" But the religious leaders coldly dismissed him: "What's that to us? That's your problem." ⁵ In despair, Judas hurled the silver coins across the temple floor, the metal clattering against the stone. Then he fled into the darkness and hanged himself.

⁶ The chief priests, meticulously religious even in their corruption, gathered up the coins, saying, "We can't put blood money in the temple treasury!" ⁷ After a lengthy discussion, they decided to use the money to purchase the potter's field – a burial ground for foreigners. ⁸ To this day, that plot of land bears witness to their deed, known as the Field of Blood. ⁹ This fulfilled Jeremiah's ancient prophecy:

"They took thirty silver coins,
The price set on His head by the people of Israel,
¹⁰ and used them to buy the potter's field,
Just as יהוה (Yahweh) commanded me."

Jesus Before Pilate

¹¹ Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor Pilate as he demanded, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus replied simply, "You have said so." ¹² When the chief priests and elders hurled their accusations, Jesus remained silent. His quiet dignity spoke louder than their shouting, His peace more powerful than their rage. ¹³ Pilate, puzzled by this unusual prisoner, asked, "Don't You hear all these charges they're bringing against You?" ¹⁴ But Jesus maintained His regal silence, not offering a single word of defense. His quiet composure astonished Pilate, who had seen countless prisoners beg for mercy.

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas

¹⁵ Now it was customary during the Passover festival for the governor to release one prisoner chosen by the crowd – a calculated gesture of Roman political theater. ¹⁶ At that time, they held a notorious prisoner named Jesus Barabbas. ¹⁷ When the crowds gathered, Pilate presented them with a choice, saying, "Whom do you want me to release: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?" ¹⁸ Pilate understood perfectly well that the religious leaders had handed Jesus over out of bitter envy, their religious authority threatened by His authentic spirituality.

¹⁹ While Pilate sat on the judgment seat, his wife sent him an urgent message: "Have nothing to do with that innocent Man. I've suffered terribly in dreams because of Him today." ²⁰ But the chief priests and elders had worked up the crowd, persuading them to ask for Barabbas' release and Jesus' execution.

²¹ Pilate asked again, "Which of the two do you want me to release?" The crowd, their minds poisoned by religious hatred, shouted "Barabbas!" ²² "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?" Pilate asked, desperately seeking a way out. The crowd roared back with chilling unity, "Crucify Him!" ²³ "Why? What crime has He committed?" Pilate demanded. But they only shouted louder, "Crucify Him!"

²⁴ When Pilate saw he was getting nowhere and a riot was brewing, he performed a symbolic act. He took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, declaring, "I am innocent of this Man's blood. The responsibility is yours!" ²⁵ The people shouted back words that would curse them through the centuries: "His blood be on us and on our children!" ²⁶ Pilate released Barabbas to them, while Jesus was flogged with metal studded whips, which tore into His innocent flesh. Then he handed Jesus over to be crucified.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

²⁷ The governor's soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters, gathering the entire company around Him for a cruel mockery of His kingship. ²⁸ They stripped Him and dressed Him in a scarlet robe. ²⁹ They twisted thorns into a cruel crown and jammed it onto His head. They placed a staff in His right hand as a mock scepter. Then they knelt before Him, laughing: "Hail, king of the Jews!" ³⁰ They spat on Him and took the staff to strike His thorn-crowned head repeatedly, each blow a testament to humanity's capacity for cruelty. ³¹ When they grew tired of mocking Him, they removed the robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him away to be crucified, not knowing they were participants in God's sovereign plan.

The Crucifixion of Jesus

³² As they walked toward Golgotha, they encountered Simon from Cyrene. The soldiers forced him to carry Jesus' cross. ³³ They arrived at Golgotha (the Place of the Skull). ³⁴ They offered Jesus wine mixed with gall – a bitter drink meant to dull the pain. But after tasting it, He refused. He would drink the full cup of suffering with complete awareness. ³⁵ They crucified Him there, driving spikes through His flesh. The soldiers divided His clothes by casting lots, fulfilling David's ancient prophecy while gambling beneath the cross. ³⁶ Then they sat down to guard Him, watching death's slow work with callous indifference.

³⁷ Above His head they placed this written charge: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS – words meant to mock but declaring truth. ³⁸ Two rebels were crucified with Him, one on His right and one on His left – the Prince of Peace dying between criminals. ³⁹ People passing by hurled insults, shaking their heads in scorn. ⁴⁰ "You who said You would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself!" they sneered. "If You are God's Son, come down from the cross!"

⁴¹ The chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders joined in the mockery, their religious contempt fully exposed now. ⁴² "He saved others," they scoffed, "but He can't save Himself! He's the king of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him!" ⁴³ "He trusts in God. Let God rescue Him now, if He wants Him, for He said, 'I am God's Son.'" Their words unknowingly echoed Psalm 22, fulfilling prophecy through their very mockery. ⁴⁴ Even the rebels crucified with Him heaped insults on Him, the entire scene was a display of humanity's rejection of divine love.

The Death of Jesus

⁴⁵ From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness covered the land – nature itself testifying to the cosmic significance of these hours. ⁴⁶ About three in the afternoon, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" The cry of the Son of Man experiencing separation from the Father for the first time in eternity. ⁴⁷ Some bystanders misunderstood His words, saying, "He's calling for Elijah." ⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge, filled it with vinegar wine, and lifted it on a staff to give Jesus a drink. ⁴⁹ Others said, "Leave Him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to rescue Him."

⁵⁰ Then Jesus, crying out again with a loud voice, released His Spirit, not as a victim, but as a victor completing His mission to restore humanity to God. ⁵¹ At that moment, the temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split, and ⁵² tombs broke open. Many holy people who had died were raised to life – death's power beginning to crumble in the wake of His sacrifice. ⁵³ Because after Jesus' resurrection, they came out of their tombs and went into Jerusalem, where many people saw them – a preview of the full resurrection to come.

⁵⁴ When the centurion and others guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that happened, they were terrified and exclaimed, "Surely He was the Son of God!" ⁵⁵ Many women were watching from a distance, the same ones who had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for His needs – their faithfulness outlasting most men. ⁵⁶ Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

The Burial of Jesus

⁵⁷ As evening approached, Joseph, a wealthy Arimathean man arrived, who had become a follower of Jesus despite his high position. ⁵⁸ Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body. Pilate ordered that it be given to him. ⁵⁹ Joseph took the body and wrapped it in clean linen cloth – giving Jesus the dignified burial He deserved. ⁶⁰ He placed Jesus in his own new tomb cut into rock. He rolled a big stone across the entrance and went away – unknowingly preparing the stage. ⁶¹ Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sat opposite the tomb, their love and loyalty surviving even death.

The Guard at the Tomb

⁶² The next day, after Preparation Day, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered before Pilate – their fear surviving even Jesus' death. ⁶³ "Your excellency," they said, "we remember that while He was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.'" ⁶⁴ "So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people He has risen from the dead. This last deception would be worse than the first." ⁶⁵ Pilate responded with weary irritation: "Take a guard. Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." ⁶⁶ So they sealed the stone and posted guards, but their futile attempts at security were about to be shattered by God's resurrection power.

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The F.O.G Commentary

The Day That Changed Everything: When Heaven Touched Earth at Calvary

What’s Matthew 27 about?

This is it – the climactic chapter where Jesus faces trial, crucifixion, and death. But Matthew doesn’t just give us the facts; he shows us how this horrific day was actually the moment when God’s rescue plan for humanity reached its stunning conclusion.

The Full Context

Matthew 27:1-66 takes us through the final twenty-four hours of Jesus’ earthly life, from his formal sentencing by the Sanhedrin at dawn to his burial in Joseph’s tomb as evening falls. Matthew is writing primarily to Jewish readers, showing them how Jesus fulfilled every messianic prophecy even in his death. The author structures this chapter to demonstrate that Jesus’ crucifixion wasn’t a tragic accident or political miscalculation – it was the divinely orchestrated climax of God’s salvation plan.

This chapter sits at the heart of Matthew’s Gospel, the crescendo toward which everything has been building. Matthew has spent twenty-six chapters showing us who Jesus is – teacher, healer, king – and now he shows us what Jesus came to do. The theological weight here is enormous: this is where the promised Messiah takes upon himself the sins of the world. Matthew includes details that would resonate powerfully with his Jewish audience, particularly the supernatural signs accompanying Jesus’ death and the reaction of both Jews and Gentiles to these events.

What the Ancient Words Tell Us

The original Greek of Matthew 27:46 preserves something absolutely stunning. When Jesus cries out “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani,” Matthew gives us the actual Aramaic words Jesus spoke, then translates them: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

This isn’t just emotional outburst – it’s Jesus quoting the opening line of Psalm 22:1. Any Jewish person hearing this would immediately think of that entire psalm, which describes suffering in vivid detail but ends in triumph and vindication. Jesus is essentially saying, “This is that psalm being fulfilled right now.”

Grammar Geeks

The word Matthew uses for Jesus’ death in verse 50 is aphēken – literally “he released” or “he let go.” It’s the same word used for forgiving debts or releasing prisoners. Jesus didn’t just die; he actively released his spirit, suggesting he remained in control even at the moment of death.

The Greek word for the temple curtain being torn (schizō) in verse 51 is the same word used for violent ripping apart. This wasn’t a gentle parting – the massive curtain that separated the Holy of Holies was violently ripped from top to bottom, symbolizing that the barrier between God and humanity had been destroyed.

What Would the Original Audience Have Heard?

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When Matthew’s first readers encountered this chapter, they would have been struck by how many Old Testament prophecies were converging in a single day. The thirty pieces of silver thrown into the temple treasury (Matthew 27:3-10) directly fulfills Zechariah 11:12-13. The soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ clothing echoes Psalm 22:18. The mockery and insults mirror the suffering servant of Isaiah 53.

But here’s what would have really gotten their attention: the supernatural events accompanying Jesus’ death. The three hours of darkness from noon to 3 PM (Matthew 27:45) wasn’t just weather – this was cosmic. Jewish readers would have remembered how darkness was one of the plagues in Egypt and a sign of God’s judgment. They’re witnessing the same divine power that once delivered Israel from slavery.

Did You Know?

The earthquake and resurrection of saints described in verses 51-53 would have been absolutely mind-blowing to Matthew’s Jewish audience. In Jewish thought, the general resurrection was supposed to happen at the end of the age. These resurrections were like a preview of coming attractions – a sign that the new age had begun breaking into the old one.

The centurion’s declaration in verse 54 – “Truly this was the Son of God!” – carries extra weight when you realize this is a Gentile soldier making the confession. Matthew is showing his readers that Jesus’ death has implications for all nations, not just Israel.

Wrestling with the Text

One of the most challenging aspects of this chapter is Jesus’ apparent abandonment by God. When he cries out “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani,” are we really to understand that the Father turned his back on the Son?

The theological mystery here is profound. How can God abandon God? Yet something very real is happening in that moment. Jesus is experiencing the full weight of human sin and separation from God. He’s drinking the cup of God’s wrath that should have been ours. In some sense that we can’t fully comprehend, Jesus is experiencing hell so that we don’t have to.

Wait, That’s Strange…

Why does Matthew mention that many saints rose from their tombs after Jesus’ resurrection but only appeared to many people after his resurrection? This detail has puzzled scholars for centuries. It seems like Matthew wants to emphasize that Jesus’ resurrection is the “firstfruits” – even the dead saints had to wait for him to rise first before making their appearances.

Another puzzle: why does Pilate’s wife’s dream (Matthew 27:19) get mentioned? In the ancient world, dreams were taken very seriously as messages from the gods. Matthew is showing that even the pagan world was being warned about what was happening. God was reaching out through every available channel to prevent this miscarriage of justice.

How This Changes Everything

The death of Jesus isn’t just a tragic end to a beautiful life – it’s the hinge point of history. When that temple curtain ripped from top to bottom, it wasn’t just symbolic; it was announcing a new reality. The old system of priests and sacrifices and restricted access to God was finished. Now anyone could approach God directly through Christ.

But here’s what’s easy to miss: this chapter shows us that God was in control even when everything seemed most out of control. The religious leaders thought they were protecting their power. Pilate thought he was managing a political crisis. The soldiers thought they were executing another criminal. But God was orchestrating the greatest rescue mission in history.

“The cross reveals both the depth of human sin and the height of divine love – it’s the place where God’s justice and mercy kiss.”

The resurrection of the saints gives us a preview of what’s coming. Death is no longer the final word. The earthquake announces that the old world is shaking apart. The centurion’s confession shows that the gospel is for everyone. This isn’t just about individual salvation – it’s about cosmic renewal.

Notice how Matthew ends the chapter with Jesus in the tomb, sealed and guarded (Matthew 27:62-66). The religious leaders think they’ve finally silenced this troublemaker permanently. But Matthew’s readers know that chapter 28 is coming. The tomb couldn’t hold him. The guards couldn’t keep him in. Death itself couldn’t defeat him.

Key Takeaway

The darkest day in human history was actually the brightest – because it was the day God solved the problem of sin forever and opened the door for anyone to come home to him.

Matthew Chapter 27

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