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A Harmony of the Passion of Christ This account of the crucifixion of Christ blends all four GospelsMatthew, Mark, Luke, and Johninto

a single account, using the Gospel with the fullest account though leaving out no detail. (It also includes minor details from Acts and Pauls epistles to the Corinthians.) The New King James Version was used to give it a more contemporary sound. Scripture referencesincluding those quoted from the Old Testamentare set off in green text. The section headings are adapted from Robertsons Harmony of the Gospels.

It is the prayer of the compiler that the reading of this eyewitness account of Christs passion will draw you close to the Savior as your imagination grasps each hallowed scene. Kevin L. Morgan

We begin after supper, late Thursday night (Mark 14:2642; Matt. 26:3646; Luke 22:3946; John 18:1)

Mk 14.26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out Jn 18.1 over the Brook Kidron Mk 14.26 to the

Mount of Olives, Lk 22.39 as He was accustomed. Mk 14.27 Then Jesus said to them. All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

I will strike the Shepherd. And the sheep will be scattered. Mk 14.28 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee. Mk 14.29 Peter said to Him, Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be. Mk 14.30 Jesus said to him, Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows

twice, you will deny Me three times. Mk 14.31 But he spoke more vehemently, If I have to die with You, I will not deny You! And they all

said likewise. Mk 14.32 Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and He said to his disciples, Mt 26.36

Sit here while I go and pray over there. Mk 14.33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Mk 14.34 Then He said to them, My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch. Lk 22.40 Pray that you may not enter into temptation. Lk 22.41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stones throw Mk 14.35 and fell Mt 26.39 on His face Mk 14.35 on the ground, and prayed, that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. Mk 14.36 And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Lk 22.42 If it is Your will, take this cup away from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done. Lk 22.43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. Lk 22.44 And being in an agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Lk 22.45 When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow, Mk 14.37 and said to Peter, Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? Mk 14.38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Mt 26.42 Again, a second time He went away and prayed, saying, O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done. Mk 14.40 And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. Mt 26.44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Mt 26.45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, Mk 14.41 Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Mk 14.42 Rise up, let us go. See, My betrayer is at hand.

Friday, long before dawn in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:3452; Matt. 26:4756; Luke 22:4753; John 18:212)

Jn 18.2 And Judas Lk 22.47 one of the twelve Jn 18.2 who betrayed Him, also knew the place: for Jesus

often met there with His disciples. Jn 18.3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests Mt 26.47 and elders of the people, Jn 18.3 and Pharisees, came there with

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lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jn 18.4 Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, Whom are you seeking?

Jn 18.5 They answered Him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus said to them, I am He. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Jn 18.6 Now when

He said to them, I am He, they drew back and fell to the ground. Jn 18.7 Then He asked them again, Whom are you seeking? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jn 18.8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their

way Jn 18.9 (that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.)

Mt 26.48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him Mk 14.34 and lead Him away safely1. Mt 26.49 Immediately he went up to Jesus, and said, Greetings, Rabbi, and kissed Him. Lk 22.48 But Jesus said to him, Mt 26.50 Friend, why have you come? Lk 22.48 Judas, are you betraying the Son of man with a kiss? Mk 14.46 Then they laid their hands on Him and took Him. Lk 22.49 When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, Lord, shall we strike with the sword?

Jn 18.10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priests servant, and cut off his right ear. (The servants name was Malchus.) Lk 22.51 But Jesus answered and said, Permit even this. And He touched his ear and healed him. Mt 26.52 Then Jesus said to him, Put your sword Jn 18.11 into the sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Mt 26.53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? Mt 26.54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?2 Jn 18.11 Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given me? Lk 22.52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders who had come to Him, Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? Lk 22.53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Mt 26.56 But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.

Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled. Mk 14.51 (Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him, Mk 14.52 and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.)

Friday, before dawn at the residence of Annas (John 18:1214, 1923)

Jn 18.12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and

bound Him. Jn 18.13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. Jn 18.14 (Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.)

Jn 18.19 The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine. Jn 18.20 Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet; and in secret I have said nothing. Jn 18.21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.

Jn 18.22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Do You answer the high priest like that?

Jn 18.23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why do you strike Me?

1 This is why Judas was so grieved when Jesus allowed Himself to be taken captive. He probably only thought he was helping Jesus to be assertive. 2 Answering their unspoken thought, He added, But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? "The cup which My Father hath given

Me, shall I not drink it? DA 696.3, emphasis supplied.

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Friday before dawn at the residence of the High priest Caiaphas (Mark 14:53, 5565; Matt. 26:57, 5968; Luke 22:54, 6365; John 18:24)

Jn 18.24 Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the Lk 22.54 high priests house, Mt 26.57 where the scribes

and the elders were assembled. Mt 26.59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put

Him to death, Mt 26.60 but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, Mk 14.56 their testimonies did not agree.

Mt 26.60 But at last two false witnesses came forward Mk 14.57 and bore false witness against Him, saying, Mk 14.58 We heard Mt 26.61 this fellow Mk 14.58 say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days3 I will build another made without hands. Mk 14.59 But not even then did their 3 Time Between Crucifixion and Resurrection.Through the centuries Christendom has been quite agreed that Jesus died on the cross Friday afternoon

and rose from the tomb early the next Sunday morning. However, in recent years some have contended that when Christ said He would be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (Matt. 12:40), He meant He would be in the grave 72 hours. On this assumption is built the Wednesday crucifixion theory, which places the resurrection on Sabbath afternoon. (A more recent, less exact, Thursday proposal merely computes: Thursday plus 3 days equals Sunday.) Hence we should examine Christs statements regarding the matter.

When Jesus spoke beforehand of His death and resurrection, He used several phrases concerning three days, and once three days and three nights. Of course, by modern Western reckoning, if we speak of three days after an event we mean three full days or more. Now three full 24-hour days after Friday afternoon would, strictly speaking, extend to Monday afternoon. But our problem is not what those phrases may mean to Westerners, but what Jesus meant by them and what His Near Eastern hearers understood by them.

Meaning of Day.There were various forms of speech used in Christs day that do not have the same meaning for us. Some examples of these have already been explained (600 years old, son, or brother; see Vol. I, pp. 181, 182; Vol. II, pp. 136, 137; see on 1 Chron. 2:7).

What did Jesus mean by a day? He once spoke of the day having 12 hours (John 11:9, 10), referring obviously to the daytime as opposed to the night. This was literally true as Jesus meant it, for when He lived among men the time between sunrise and sunset was divided into 12 equal parts, or hours, which hours varied in length according to the season. The fact that today we use clock hours of uniform length, in which sunrise and sunset are more or less than 12 sixty-minute hours apart most of the time, does not make Jesus statement incorrect. Similarly His phrase three days must be interpreted according to what those words meant then to those people, not what they mean to us today.

Although day was, and is, sometimes used to mean the daylight hours, nevertheless the word, when used in counting a series of days, means in both ancient and modern usage a period including a day and a night. The Greek language, in which the New Testament was written, had a word for night-day, nuchthmeron (see 2 Cor. 11:25); and Genesis enumerated each successive day of creation as composed of evening and morning. Jesus three days and three nights are merely three [calendar] days, as then understood.

Different Phrases for Same Period.This is clear from the fact that He refers at different times to the same periodthe interval between His death and His resurrectionas in three days, after three days, on the third day. Once, because He is quoting from Jonah (ch. 1:17), He uses the phrase three days and three nights. Unless we accuse Jesus of contradicting Himself, we must accept all these phrases as meaning the same period of time. Even the priests and Pharisees who quoted Jesus as predicting His resurrection after three days, asked Pilate to have the tomb guarded until the third day (not until after the third day). Obviously, after three days meant the third day:

The following texts mention this three-day period:

In three days After three days The third day Matt. 26:61; 27:40 27:63; 12:40 (and 3 nights) 16:21; 17:23; 20:19; 27:64 Mark 14:58 (within) 8:31 9:31; 10:34 Luke 9:22; 18:33; 24:7, 21, 46 John 2:1921

What, then, did these various three-day expressions mean? We can find out easily by comparing other passages in the Bible that refer to time periods

in similar ways. Three Days, Inclusive.The question of how long Jesus was in the tomb rose from a modern misunderstanding of inclusive reckoning, the common

ancient method of counting. It included both the day (or year) on which any period of time began and also that on which it ended, no matter how small a fraction of the beginning or ending day (or year) was involved. One example of this method is a period (when Shalmaneser besieged Samaria) beginning in the 4th year of Hezekiah and the 7th year of Hoshea, and ending in the 6th year of Hezekiah and the 9th of Hoshea, at the end of three years (2 Kings 18:9, 10; see Vol. II, p. 136). It was evidently counted thus: 4, 5, 6 (of Hezekiahs reign), three years, inclusive.

Take another example. We say that a child is not one year old until after he has lived 12 full months from the date of his birth. He becomes one year old as he enters his second year of life, and becomes 2 years old after he completes his second year. Thus a child is called 10 years old all through his 11th year, and becomes 11 only after he has reached the end of 11 full years. Not so in the Bible. Noah was, literally, a son of 600 years in the six hundredth year of his life (Gen. 7:6, 11); although his 600 years were not reckoned inclusively (see Vol. I, p. 181 and note), these verses show that in his 600th year his age was considered 600, not 599. A Hebrew baby was circumcised when he was eight days old (Gen. 17:12), the eighth day (Lev. 12:3; Luke 1:59), or when eight days were accomplished (Luke 2:21). The Bible lists several periods of three days that ended during, not after, the third day, and thus covered less than three full 24-hour days (see Gen. 42:1719; cf. 1 Kings 12:5, 12 with 2 Chron. 10:5, 12).

Not only among the Hebrews, but also among other ancient peoples, we have examples of inclusive reckoning. This was common in Egypt, Greece, and Rome (see Vol. II, p. 136). It is still found in the Far East today. Even in some countries of Europe a weeks interval is referred to as eight days, and a three-day round trip ticket bought on Sunday, for instance, is expected to be used on Tuesday. In modern Japan, until MacArthurs government changed the system for the convenience of the compilers of vital statistics, a child born in December was a year old for the remainder of the month and became two years old on January 1; two years old meant having lived in two calendar years, regardless of how small a fraction of either year was involved. Similarly,

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testimony agree. Mk 14.60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You? Mk 14.61 But He kept silent and answered nothing.4 Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, Mt 26.63 I put you under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, Mk 14.61 the Son of the Blessed. Mt 26.64 Jesus said to him, It is as you said Mk 14.62 I am. Mt 26.64 Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven. Mt 26.65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, He has spoken blasphemy! What further need have we of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! Mt 26.66 What do you think? Mk 14.56 And they all condemned Him Mt 26.66 and said, He is deserving of death.

in Chinese reckoning a child born late last year is two years old this year (the second calendar year of his life) and will be three years old as soon as next year begins. Obviously, this is not a literal reckoning but is based on a concept of time that comes down from a long cultural usage. Similarly, we must bear in mind the cultural concepts of time that were held in Jesus time.

Since the common custom of inclusive reckoning is well attested for the Hebrews, for other ancient nations, and in the East down to modern times, it seems wholly unreasonable to understand Jesus words about a three-day period in terms of our modern Western mathematical method of reckoning. By common usage His hearers would count the three days successively as:

1. The day of the crucifixion. 2. The day after that event. 3. The third day after (by modern count, the second day after). We cannot insist that when Jesus once said that He would rise after three days (Mark 8:31) He meant after the end of the third full day, or 72 hours.

For that He would have said on the fourth day. (For the phrase four days ago meaning three full days, or at least 72 hours, see on Acts 10:30.) But we are not left with merely an obvious deduction as to what Jesus meant by third day. We have it from His own lips. In speaking of Herod on

one occasion He said, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem (Luke 13:32, 33). Thus He equated the third day with the day after tomorrowthe third day counted inclusively.

Crucifixion on Friday.What day, we may inquire, was the day on which this three-day prophecy of Jesus was fulfilled? The answer is, The first day of the week (Mark 16:9; see on Matt. 28:1). Late that same day (Luke 24:1, 13), two disciples met Him on the road to Emmaus, and in talking of the crucifixion of their Master and their own deep disappointment, declared, To day is the third day since these things were done (Luke 24:21). Jesus Himself said, when He appeared to the Twelve in the upper room, Thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day (Luke 24:46). As Paul later said, He rose again the third day according to the scriptures (1 Cor. 15:4). Sunday, obviously, was the third day.

What, then, was the day of the crucifixion, seeing that Sunday was the third day, or the day after tomorrow? Obviously, the preceding Friday, the day before the Sabbath. This is in exact accord with Lukes statement that the women left the embalming unfinished on the day of preparation as the Sabbath drew on, and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment before returning on the first day of the week (Luke 23:54 to Luke 24:1). They would not have waited several days, as is supposed by those who put Jesus death on Wednesday and make the Sabbath here mentioned merely a festival, or ceremonial, sabbath. Besides, the phrase an high day is taken by many to indicate that in that year the festival sabbath fell on the weekly Sabbath (see on John 19:31) (Francis D. Nichol, A Basis for New Testament Chronology, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5 [Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1978, 2001], p. 248).

Between the two views there is agreement in several points: (1) Jesus really did die and rise againpraise God! (2) His death occurred on the 14th of Nisan, the day before the Feast of Unleavened bread, also called Passover. The points of variance are these: (1) The Wednesday through Sabbath afternoon scenario sees the Sabbaths of Mark 16:1 and Luke 23:56 as the first sabbath of Tabernacles and the weekly Sabbath. The Friday through Sunday scenario sees them as one and the same. (2) The Wednesday through Sabbath afternoon scenario sees the Preparations of Luke 23:54 and 23:56 as the preparations for the festival Sabbath and the preparation for the weekly Sabbath respectively. The Friday through Sunday scenario sees them as one and the same. The real difference in the two views lies in (1) the sense of perpetuity of the festivals for Christians and thus finding Jesus resting on a festival Sabbath in the Gospels and (2) how literally one should take Matthew 12:40. As has been pointed out, the problems in taking the expression three days and three nights in the heart of the earth to mean precisely 72 hours are: (1) The eastern mind does not conceptualize time in the same way that the modern western mind does. (2) The majority of the descriptions of this three-day period do not point Christs being resurrected after a full three day, three night period. (3) The two disciples on the road to Emmaus claimed that the first day of the week was the third day since these had happened (Luke 24:21). What things were these? The deliverance of Jesus to death and crucifixion (Luke 24:19, 20). If the final of these events truly did happen during Wednesday afternoon, then counting three full days from the completion of those events would take usfirst day since Wednesday would be Thursday afternoon, second day since Wednesday would be Friday afternoon, third day since Wednesday would be Sabbath afternoon. But the men told Jesus, Today is the third day since these things happened. (4) Jesus did not say, in Luke 24:46, that He would rise after the third day, but that He would rise on the third day. And Paul later wrote, He rose again the third day according to the scriptures (1 Cor. 15:4)the first day of the week (Mark 16:9).

Fred Coulter believes that the statement of Luke 24:21 was made when the three days had already passed and translates the sentence as: But besides all these things, as of today, the third day has already passed since these things took place. Is there any warrant for his translation? Nestles Greek for this clause reads: alla ge kai sun pasin toutois tritn tautn hmeran (accusative/singular/feminine) agei aph ou tauta egeneto (and the Textus Receptus adds the word smeron or today before aph ou or since). The literal translation of this clause is: But indeed with all these things third this day brings [today] since these things occurred. His note on the word since (aph hou) attempts to justify his past perfect translation (with the supplied word already). The use of aph hou in Josephus works and the works of classical Greek writers enables us to understand the true meaning of Luke 24:21. As a formula, aph hou specifically refers to completed time and cannot be construed as referring to time that is in progress. Thus Lukes use of aph hou with triten must be interpreted as evidence that the third day had already been completed (Fred Coulter, The New Testament In Its Original Order: A Faithful Version With Commentary [Hollister, CA: York Publishing Company, 2003], Appendix G, p. 758). Unfortunately, Mr. Coulter overlooks another instance of this phrase in Luke 13:7, which is translated during which, showing that the expression can indeed mean time that is in progress. (Cf. also Luke 8:35, 38 out of which, Luke 13:25, when once, and Revelation 16:18, since, which come closer in meaning to the idea Mr. Coulter believes the expression conveys.) Thus, Mr. Coulter stretches the meaning of the clause to support his view of Matthew 12:40.

4 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth (Isaiah 53:7).

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Lk 22.63 Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him. Mk 14.65 Some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him, and to say to Him, Mt 26.68 Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You? Lk 22.65 And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him.

Friday before and at dawn in the court of the high priests residence (Mark 14:54, 6672; Matt. 26:58, 6975; Luke 22:5462; John 18:1518, 2527)

Lk 22.54 But Jn 18.15 Simon Peter followed Jesus Lk 22.54 at a distance, Jn 18.15 and so did another disciple.5

Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. Jn 18.16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. Jn 18.18 Now the servants and officers who Lk 22.55 had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard, sat down together. And Peter Mt 26.58 went in and sat with the servants to see the end Mk 14.54 and warmed himself at the fire. Mk 14.66 One of the servant girls of the high priest Jn 18.17 who kept the door Mk 14.66 came Mk 14.67 and, when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked Lk 22.56 intently Mk 14.67 at him and said, Jn 18.17 You are not also one of His disciples, are you? Mt 26.69 You also were with Jesus Mk 14.67 of Nazareth Mt 26.69 of Galilee.

Lk 22.57 But he denied Him, saying, Woman, Mk 14.68 I neither know nor understand what you are saying. Lk 22.57 I do not know Him.6 Mk 14.68 And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed.

Mk 14.69 And the servant girl saw him again, and began to say to those who stood by, This is one of them.

Lk 22.58 And after a little while another saw him and said, You also are of them. But Peter Mt 26.72 denied with an oath. Lk 22.58 Man, I am not! Mt 26.72 I do not know the Man! Lk 22.59 Then after about an hour had passed, Jn 18.26 one of the servants of the high priest, a relative of

him whose ear Peter cut off, said, Did I not see you in the garden with Him? Mt 26.73 And Lk 22.59 another Mt 26.73 who stood by came up and Lk 22.59 confidently affirmed, Mt 26.73 Surely

you also are one of them; for Mk 14.70 you are a Galilean. Mt 26.73 Your speech betrays you. Mt 26.74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, Mk 14.71 I do not know this Man of whom you

speak! A second time the rooster crowed. Lk 22.61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how

He had said to him, Mk 14.72 Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times. And when he thought about it, Mt 26.74 he went out and wept bitterly.

Friday, after dawn, before the formal council of the Sanhedrin (Mark 15:1; Matt. 27:1; Luke 22:6671)

Lk 22.66 As soon as it was day, Mk 15.1 the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes

and the whole council Lk 22.66 and led Him into their council, saying, Lk 22.67 If you are the Christ, tell us. Lk 22.67 But He said to them, If I tell you, you will by no means believe. Lk 22.68 And if I also ask you,

you will by no means answer Me or let Me go. Lk 22.69 Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God.

Lk 22.70 Then they all said, Are You then the Son of God? So He said to them, You rightly say that I am. Lk 22.71 And they said, What further testimony do we need? For we have heard it ourselves from His

own mouth.

Friday morning, in the temple and outside the walls of Jerusalem (Matt. 27:310; Acts 1:18, 19)

5 Likely to be identified with the other disciple, mentioned elsewhere in Johns gospel, who was undoubtedly John himself. 6 Johns record of the responses of Peter is kinder to his brother in Christ than Peters own account of what he said in the other gospels. John simply says

that Peter responded, I am not (John 18:17, 25).

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Mt 27.3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought

back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Mt 27.4 saying, I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.

And they said, What is that to us? You see to it! Mt 27.5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged

himself, Ac 1.18 and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. Mt 27.6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood. Mt 27.7 And they consulted together and bought, Ac 1.18 with the wages of iniquity, Mt 27.7 the potters field, to bury strangers in. Mt 27.9 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, Mt 27.10 and gave them for the potters field, as the LORD directed me.7 Ac 1.19 And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is Field of Blood.

Friday, early morning, before Pilate the first time (Mark 15:15; Matt. 27:2, 1114; Luke 23:17; John 18:2838)

Lk 23.1 Then the whole multitude of them arose and led Him Mt 27.2 bound Jn 18.28 from Caiaphas to the

Praetorium [the hall of judgment] Mt 27.2 and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Jn 18.28 And it was early morning.8 But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover.9 Jn 18.29 Pilate then went out to them and said, What accusation do you bring against this Man?

7 Jeremiah 32:69. 8 This would have been after about 6 a.m. 9 All four Gospels agree that Jesus and His disciples celebrated the Last Supper on the night preceding the crucifixion, that He lay in the tomb over

Sabbath, and that He arose early Sunday morning. The Synoptics, however, call the Last Supper, the night preceding the crucifixion, the Passover, whereas according to John, the Jews celebrated the Passover supper on the night following the crucifixion. The statements of John and the Synoptics thus appear to be in conflict.

Most critical commentators dismiss this apparent conflict with the casual observation that, obviously, either John or the synoptic writers were mistaken. But those who believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures reject such an explanation and propose, instead, one of various possible solutions to the problem. In order to evaluate intelligently these solutions it is necessary, first, to review Biblical and secular data relating to the time and typical significance of the Passover, and to time factors connected with the Last Supper and the crucifixion.

Time of the Passover.The paschal lamb was slain in the late afternoon of Nisan 14, following the regular evening sacrifice, and eaten, with unleavened bread, after sunset that same night, during the early hours of Nisan 15 (Ex. 12:614, 29, 33, 42, 51; 13:37; Num. 9:15; 33:3; Deut. 16:17; Josephus Antiquities ii. 14. 6; iii. 10. 5; xi. 4. 8 [311, 312; 248, 249; 109, 110]; War v. 3. 1 [98, 99]; vi. 9. 3 [423]; Philo De septenario, sec. 18; Mishnah Pesah\im 5. 1, Soncino ed. of the Talmud, p. 287). Nisan 15, a ceremonial sabbath, also marked the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Ex. 12:8, 18, 34, 39; Lev. 23:5, 6; Num. 28:16, 17; Deut. 16:3, 4, 8; Antiquities iii. 10. 5 [249]; cf. ii. 15. 2 [318]). On Nisan 16, the second day of this feast, the wave sheaf of the first fruits was presented in the Temple (see Lev. 23:1014; Antiquities iii. 10. 5 [250, 251]). The term Passover was originally applied to Nisan 14 only, but in the time of Christ it was sometimes used of the Feast of Unleavened Bread as well (Antiquities ii. 14. 6; xi. 4. 8; xiv. 2. 1 [311313; 109111; 21]; xvii. 9. 3; War ii. 1. 3; v. 3. 1 [10; 99]). Apparently, also, the term Feast of Unleavened Bread was similarly used to include the Passover (Luke 22:1, 7; Acts 12:3, 4; cf. Acts 20:6).

Tables that purport to give the Christian Era dates for each paschal full moon during the ministry of our Lord are of no real help in this problem for all such tables are based on modern Jewish methods of computing the time of the Passover. How the Jews of Christs time coordinated their lunar calendar with the solar year is not known today, all supposedly learned statements to the contrary notwithstanding. It is therefore impossible to determine with absolute certainty the day of the week or even, always, the month in which the Passover of any year of our Lords ministry may have occurred. [The fixed calendar based on mathematical and astronomical calculations for adding Adar I in the 3rd, 6th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th and 19th years of the cycle was established in the fourth century by Hillel II. Source: http://www.jewfaq.org/calendar.htm.]

Some have assumed that the expression in the evening, of Ex. 12:6, literally, between the two evenings, denotes the moment of sunset beginning Nisan 14, or the period between sunset and dark. Although some modern commentators have adopted this theory, a careful examination of other Biblical passages, of the writings of Josephus and Philo, and of the tractate Pesah\im (see Mishnah Pesah\im, 4. 1, Soncino ed. of the Talmud, p. 243; 5. 1, 10, Soncino ed. of the Talmud, pp. 287, 325; Talmud Pesah\im 58a, Soncino ed., pp. 287290; and other references cited above) provide no clear evidence in support of it. See p. 265.

this commentary suggests the possibility of the following sequence of events connected with the Last Supper, the crucifixion, and the Passover: a. That in the year of the crucifixion, whether as a result of controversy between liberal and conservative elements of Judaism, or because of other

circumstances now unknown, there may have been a double celebration of the Passover. b. That, with other conservative Jews, Christ and the disciples celebrated the Last Supper on Thursday night, during the early hours of what was

officially Nisan 14, and that the Last Supper was a true celebration of the Passover. c. That Jesus died on the cross about the time of the evening sacrifice and the slaying of the paschal lambs, on Friday, Nisan 14. d. That, in the year of the crucifixion, the official celebration of the Passover came on Friday night, after the crucifixion. e. That Jesus rested in the tomb over the weekly Sabbath, which, in that year, coincided with the ceremonial, or annual, sabbath, Nisan 15, the first

day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

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Jn 18.30 They answered and said to him, If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.

Jn 18.31 Then Pilate said to them, You take Him and judge Him according to your law. Therefore the Jews said to him, It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death, Jn 18.32 (that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.)

Lk 23.2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.

Mt 27.11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And Lk 23.3 Pilate asked Him, saying, Are you the King of the Jews?

He answered him and said, It is as you say. Mt 27.12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders Mk 15.3 of many things, Mt 27.12 He

answered nothing. Mk 15.4 Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, Do you answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You! But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate Mt 27.14 the governor marveled greatly.

Jn 18.33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, Are you the King of the Jews?

Jn 18.34 Jesus answered, Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning me?

Jn 18.35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me. What have you done?

Jn 18.36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.

Jn 18.37 Pilate therefore said to Him, Are you a king then? Jesus answered, You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I

have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears My voice.

Jn 18.38 Pilate said to Him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to Lk 24.4 the chief priests and the

crowd, I find no fault in Him at all. Lk 23.5 But they were the more fierce, saying He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea,

beginning from Galilee to this place. Lk 23.6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked if the Man were a Galilean. Lk 24.7 And as soon as he

knew that He belonged to Herods jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

Friday, early morning, before Herod Antipas in Jerusalem (Luke 23:612)

Lk 24.8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad: for he had desired for a long time to see

Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. Lk 24.9 Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing.

Lk 24.10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. Lk 24.11 Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. Lk 24.12 That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other.

f. That Jesus arose from the tomb early on Sunday morning, Nisan 16, the day when the wave sheaf, which typified the resurrection, was presented in the Temple.

Happily, it is not necessary to solve this problem in order to avail ourselves of salvation through Christ our passover, who was sacrificed for us (1 Cor. 5:7) (Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 537, additional notes on Matthew 26).

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Friday morning, between 6 and 9 a.m.before Pilate the second time (Mark 15:619; Matt. 27:1530; Luke 23:1325; John 18:3919:16)

Lk 24.13 Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, Lk 24.14 said

to them, You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; Lk 23.15 no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him. Lk 23.16 I will therefore chastise Him and release Him.

Mt 27.19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.

Mt 27.15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. Mt 27.16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Jn 18.40 Now Barabbas was a robber Mk 15.7 who was chained with his fellow rebels Lk 23.19 thrown into prisonfor a certain rebellion made in the city and for murder Mk 15.7 they had committed in the rebellion. Mk 15.8 Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them.

Mt 27.17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, Jn 18.39 You have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Mt 27.17 Whom Jn 18.39 therefore Mt 27.17 do you want me to release to you? Barabbas or Jesus which is called Christ, Jn 18.39 the King of the Jews? Mt 27.18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.

Mk 15.11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them Mt 27.20 and destroy Jesus. Mt 27.21 The governor answered and said to them, Which of the two do you want me to release to you? Lk 23.18 And they all cried out at once, saying, Jn 18.40Not this man, but Barabbas! Lk 23.18 Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas!

Lk 23.20 Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them Mk 15.12 and said, What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews? Mt 27.22 They all Mk 15.13 cried out Mt 27.22 to him Mk 15.13 again, Mt 27.22 Let Him be crucified! Lk 23.21 Crucify Him, crucify Him!

Mk 15.14 Then Pilate said to them Lk 23.22 the third time, Why? What evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go. Lk 23.23 But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices: Mt 27.23 Let Him be crucified! Mk 15.14 Crucify Him!

Jn 19.1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. Mt 27.27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. Mt 27.28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet- Jn 19.2 purple Mt 27.28 robe on Him. Mk 15.17 And they Jn 19.2 twisted a crown of thorns and put it upon His head, Mt 27.29 and a reed in His right hand. And, Mk 15.19 bowing the knee, they worshipped Mt 27.29 and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! Mt 27.30 Then they spat on Him, Jn 19.3 and they struck Him with their hands Mt 27.30 and took the reed and struck Him on the head.

Jn 19.4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him. Jn 19.5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, Behold the Man!

Jn 19.6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, Crucify Him, crucify Him!

Pilate said to them, You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him. Jn 19.7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because

He made Himself the Son of God. Jn 19.8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, Jn 19.9 and went again into the

Praetorium, and said to Jesus, Where are you from? But Jesus gave him no answer. Jn 19.10 Then said Pilate to Him, Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to

crucify You, and power to release You? Jn 19.11 Jesus answered, You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you

from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.

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Jn 19.12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, If you let this Man go, you are not Caesars friend. Whoever makes Himself a king speaks against Caesar.

Jn 19.13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.

Jn 19.14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour.10 And he said to the Jews, Behold your King!

Jn 19.15 But they cried out, Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him! Pilate said to them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but

Caesar! Mt 27.24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took

water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.

Mt 27.25 And all the people answered and said, His blood be on us and on our children. Mk 15.15 So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, Lk 23.24 gave sentence that it should be as they

requested. Mt 27.26 Then he released Barabbas to them Mk 15.15 and delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified. Friday morning, nine till noon (Mark 15:2023; Matt. 27:3144; Luke 23:2643; John 19:1627)

Mt 27.31 And when Mt 27.27 the soldiers of the governor Mt 27.31 had mocked Him, they took the robe off

Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified, Jn 19.17 bearing His cross. Mt 27.32 Now as they came out, they found a man Mk 15.21 passing by out of the country Mt 27.32 of Cyrene,

Simon by name, Mk 15.21 the father of Alexander and Rufus. Lk 23.26 Him they laid hold of and laid the cross on that he might bear it after Jesus.

Lk 23.27 And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. Lk 23.28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. Lk 23.29 For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed. Lk 23.30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.11 Lk 23.31 For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?

Lk 23.32 And there were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. Lk 23.33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, Jn 19.17 the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, Mk 15.23 they gave Him wine Mt 27.34 with gall Mk 15.23 mingled with myrrh Mt 27.34 to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink. Mk 15.24 And Lk 23.33 there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left, Jn 19.18 and Jesus in the center. Mk 15.28 So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, And He was numbered with the transgressors.12

10 Preparation Day of the Passover. Alfred Eedersheim takes it to mean Friday in Passover-week (Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, vol. 2, p. 581).

The Greek term paraskeu came to be the technical term for Friday (John 19:31, 42; Mat. 27:62; Mark 15:42; Luke 3 23:54; Didach 8:1). The phrase is taken by others to mean the eve of the Passover (Heb. ereb happesach) or Nisan 14 since the Talmudic reference to the death of Jesus reads thus: On the eve of the Passover Yeshu [Jesus] was hanged. Since nothing was brought forward in his favour he was hanged on the eve of the Passover! (Sanhedrin 43a, Soncino ed., p. 281) (Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1062, on John 19:14). There is nothing in the OT (Lev. 23:46 in specific) that calls the 14th a preparation for the Passover/Feast of Unleavened Bread. If preparation for the Passover refers to the day before the feast of unleavened bread, it is a development of NT times, for is not used in connection with the Passover in the LXX. Ultimately, it makes little difference if we see first day of Unleavened Bread and the Sabbath coinciding in that year.

About the sixth hour. If this is counted from six in the morning, it would mean that Jesus was taken to be crucified at noon. But this would contradict Mark 15:35, which plainly states that the crucifixion began at the third hour (or about nine oclock). Of course, Luke 23:44 states that darkness covered the land from the sixth (noon) to the ninth hour (three oclock). (Jesus first visit with Pilate had been in early morning, John 18:28.) If counted from midnight, in keeping with Roman time, it would be about six oclock (Elsewhere John seems to reckon the hours of the day from sunrise rather than from midnight [see chs. 4:6, 52; 11:9] Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1062, on John 19:14). Instead of [hektos] sixth, several MSS. and fathers have [tritos] third, as in the parallel place (Treasury of Scripture Knowledge on John 19:14). Another possibility is that John may have the time of the climax of the crucifixion in mind.

11 Hosea 10:8. 12 Isaiah 53:12.

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Mk 15.25 Now it was the third hour.13 Lk 23.34 Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them: for they do not know what they do.

And Jn 19.23 the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part, Mk 15.24 casting lots for them to determine what every man should take, Jn 19.23 and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. Jn 19.24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which said, They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.14 Therefore the soldiers did these things. Mt 27.36 Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there.

Jn 19.19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Jn 19.20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the

city: and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. Jn 19.21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, Do not write, The King of the Jews, but, He said, I am King of the Jews. Jn 19.22 Pilate answered, What I have written, I have written.

Lk 23.35 And the people stood looking on. Mk 15.29 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, Mk 15.30 save Yourself and come down from the cross Mt 27.40 if you are the Son of God ! Mt 27.41 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking Mk 15.31 among themselves with the scribes Mt 27.41 and elders, Mk 15.31 said, Lk 23.35 He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God. Mt 27.42 If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. Mt 27.43 He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, I am the Son of God. Lk 23.36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, Lk 23.37 and saying, If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.

Mt 27.44 Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing. Lk 23.39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, If you are the Christ, save Yourself and us. Lk 23.40 But the other, answering, rebuked Him, saying, Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? Lk 23.41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong. Lk 23.42 Then he said to Jesus, Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.

Lk 23.43 And Jesus said to him, Assuredly, I say to you today, you will be with me in Paradise.15 Jn 19.25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mothers sister, Mary the wife of

Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Jn 19.26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, Woman, behold your son! Jn 19.27 Then He said to the disciple, Behold your mother! And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

Friday noon until 3 p.m.three hours of darkness (Mark 15:3341; Matt. 27:4556; Luke 23:4449; John 19:2830)

Lk 23.4445 Now it was about the sixth hour,16 the sun was darkened and there was darkness over all the

earth until the ninth hour.17 Mt 27.46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, Mk

13 The third hour would be approximately nine oclock in the morning. 14 Psalm 22:18. 15 The literal translation of the Greek is: Amen to you I say today with me you will be in Paradise. Since the Paul calls paradise a glorious place (2 Cor.

12:4) and John says that the tree of Life is in paradise beside the river of life which flows from the Fathers throne (Rev. 2:6; 22:12) and Jesus told Mary on the first day of the week that He had not ascended to His Father (John 20:17), Jesus obviously did not go to paradise with the thief when he died. Jesus use of the expression today [Gr. smeron] in Luke 24:43 is paralleled in Acts 20:26 in the words of Paul: Therefore I testify to you this day [Gr. smeron] that I am innocent of the blood of all men.

16 If the day began at six in the morning, this would be about noon. The noncanonical Gospel of Peter says that it was noon, and darkness came over all Judaea (Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 549, on Mat. 27:45).

17 This would be about three in the afternoon.

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15.34 Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? Which is translated, My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?18 Mk 15.35 Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, Look, He is calling for Elijah.

Jn 19.28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, I thirst. Mt 27.48 Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a Jn 19.29 hyssop Mt 27.48 reed Jn 19.29 and put it to His mouth Mt 27.48 to drink. Mt 27.49 The rest said, Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save Him, Mk 15.36 to take Him down. Jn 19.30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He Mt 27.50 cried out again with a loud voice, Lk 23.46 Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.19 Jn 19.30 It is finished! And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Mt 27.51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, Mt 27.52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; Mt 27.53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

Mt 27.54 So when the centurion, Mk 15.39 who stood opposite Him, Mt 27.54 and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and Mk 15.39 that He cried out like this and breathed His last, Mt 27.54 they feared greatly, and Lk 23.47 the centurion glorified God, Mt 27.54 saying, Truly Lk 23.47 this was a righteous Man Mt 27.54 this was the Son of God. Lk 23.48 And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned. Lk 23.49 But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, Mt 27.55 ministering to Him, Lk 23.49 stood at a distance, watching these things, Mk 15.40 among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome Mt 27.56 (the mother of Zebedees sons), Mk 15.41 and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.

Friday afternoon before sunset (Mark 15:4246; Matt. 27:5760; Luke 23:5054; John 19:3142)

Jn 19.31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross

on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Jn 19.32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. Jn 19.33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. Jn 19.34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. Jn 19.35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. Jn 19.36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, Not one of His bones shall be broken.20 Jn 19.37 And again another scripture says, They shall look on Him whom they pierced.21

Jn 19.38 After this, Mk 15.42 when evening22 had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Mt 27.57 there came a rich, Mk 15.43 prominent council member Mt 27.57 from Arimathea (Lk 23.51 a city of the Jews), Mt 27.57 named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus, Jn 19.38 but secretly, for fear of the Jews. Lk 23.50 A good and just man, Mk 15.43 who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, Lk 23.51 he had not consented to their decision and deed. Lk 23.52 This man, Mk 15.43 coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked Jn 19.38 that he might take away the body of Jesus. Mk 15.44 Pilate marveled that He was already dead: and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. Mk 15.45 So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. Jn 19.38 So he came and took the body of Jesus. Jn 19.39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Jn 19.40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. Jn 19.41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb Lk 23.53 that 18 Psalm 22:1. 19 Psalm 31:5. 20 Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20. 21 Zechariah 12:10. 22 Mid-afternoon.

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was hewn out of the rock Jn 19.41 in which no one had yet been laid. Mt 27.60 And he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb and departed. Jn 19.42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby Lk 23.54 and the Sabbath drew near.23

Friday afternoon around sunset until Saturday night (Mark 15:4716:1; Matt. 27:6166; Luke 23:5556)

Lk 23.55 And the women who had come with Him from Galilee, Mk 15.47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the

mother of Joses,24 Mt 27.61 sitting opposite the tomb, Lk 23.55 observed the tomb and Mk 15.47 where Lk 23.55 His body was laid. Lk 23.56 Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.25

Mt 27.62 On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, Mt 27.63 saying, Sir, we remember while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, After three days I will rise. Mt 27.64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, He has risen from the dead. So the last deception will be worse than the first.

Mt 27.65 Pilate said to them, You have a guard: go your way, make it as secure as you know how. Mt 27.66 So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.

Mk 16.1 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.

Sunday, before sunrise (Matt. 28:24)

Mt 28.2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and

came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. Mt 28.3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. Mt 28.4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

Sunday, early morning (Mark 16:211; Matt. 27:56; 28:1, 515; Luke 24:18; John 20:118)

Jn 20.1 Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene26 went to the tomb early, while it was still dark,

and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. Jn 20.2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter,

23 The Greek kai hmera hn paraskeus kai sabbaton epephsken is literally translated And a day was a preparation and a Sabbath dawned. The fact that

preparation and Sabbath are indefinite should not be taken as justification for making this verse describe a preparation for an annual Sabbath, as Coulter has done (The New Testament in its Original Order: A Faithful Version with Commentary [Hollister, CA: York Publishing Co., 2003], p. 469): And they returned to the city, and prepared spices and ointments, and then rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. It should be noted that the word for day, in this verse, is also indefinite. (Josephus often uses the indefinite form of Sabbath as the name for the day.) It makes more sense to translate the verse as the Sabbath, in keeping with the Sabbath of the next verse, Luke 23:55.

24 The other Mary Matthew 27:61. 25 The natural sense of this phrase is that the women kept the Sabbath commandment recorded in Exodus 20 and repeated in Deuteronomy 5. Earlier, in

Luke 18:20, Luke quotes Jesus as saying, You know the commandments and shows that He means the Ten Commandments by quoting commandments five through nine.

26 Relying on a certain rendering of Matthew 28:1, A.T. Robertson views this visit as having occurred late on the sabbath day, i.e., on the night following the Sabbath, prior to the descent of the angel, the great earthquake, and the resurrection of Jesus, rather than on the first day of the week prior to sunrise. After a lengthy discussion of the meaning of the key word for late/after (Gr. opse), E. J. Goodspeed concludes: The plain sense of the passage is: After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning (Problems of New Testament Translation, p. 45). Alfred Eedersheim frankly admits, I must remain uncertain, however important, whether the opse sabbatn refers to Saturday evening or early Sunday morning (Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, vol. 2, footnote 1, p. 630). It could be inferred that Matthew does describe a Saturday night visit by the women but simply fails to mention that they went home that night before returning the next day at dawn to hear the message of the angel. However, such an inference does not fit the details of the other gospels. Moreover, the continuation of the narrative in Matthew makes it appear as if the Marys remained at the tomb after the angels descent, making it possible for him to converse with them (and the angel answered and said unto the women Matt. 28:5). This literary connection raises several questions: Had Mary Magdalene (and the other Mary) arrived in time to witness such an event on Saturday night, would they not have returned immediately to inform the disciples of it? If Mary Magdalenes visit took place in the middle of the night, would Matthew have described it as occurring as the first day of the week began to dawn? (The key word in this phrase epephsken makes the phrase literally read it grew to light into the first day. The phrase could be translated the first day drew near, as it is translated in Luke 23:54, if it werent for a unique difference in the phrases. Matthew 28:1 says eis mian sabbatn or into the first day.) And would John have said that, on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, if he meant that she came to the tomb in the dead of night? Besides, Matthews record of her report to

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and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we27 know not where they have laid Him.

Jn 20.3 Peter therefore Lk 24.12 arose and Jn 20.3 went out, and the other disciple, and were going Lk 24.12 to the tomb. Mk 16.2 when the sun had risen, Mt 28.1 the other Mary (Mk 16.1 the mother of James Mt 27.56 and Joses), Mk 16.1 Salome, Lk 24.1 and certain other women with them, came to the tomb Lk 24.1 bringing the spices which they had prepared Mk 16.1 that they might anoint Him. Mk 16.3 And they said among themselves, Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us? Mk 16.4 for it was very large. But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away Lk 24.2 from the tomb. Lk 24.3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. Lk 24.4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed Mk 16.5 and they were alarmed Lk 24.4 about this, that behold, two menJn 20.12 two angels Lk 24.4 stood by them, Mk 16.5 clothed in Lk 24.4 shining Mk 16.5 long white Lk 24.4 garments, Jn 20.12 one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Mk 16.5 And Mt 28.5 the angel, Mk 16.5 sitting on the right side, Mt 28.5 answered and said to the women, Do not be afraid. Mk 16.6 You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here! See the place where they laid Him. Mk 16.7 But go, tell His disciplesand Peterthat He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you. Mt 28.7 Behold, I have told you. Lk 24.5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, Why do you seek the living among the dead? Lk 24.6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, Lk 24.7 saying, The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. Lk 24.8 And they remembered His words. Mt 28.8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, Mk 16.8 for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Jn 20.3 Peter and the other disciple were going to the tomb. Jn 20.4 So they both ran together and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. Jn 20.5 And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there Lk 24.12 by themselves; yet he did not go in. Jn 20.6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, Jn 20.7 and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Jn 20.8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. Jn 20.9 For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. Jn 20.10 Then the disciples went away again to their own homes, Lk 24.12 marveling at what had happened. Jn 20.11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. Jn 20.12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Jn 20.13 Then they say to her, Woman, why are you weeping?

She said to them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him. Jn 20.14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.

Jn 20.15 Jesus said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? She supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.

Jn 20.16 Jesus said to her, Mary!

the disciples following her discovery of the empty tomb sounds uncannily like that of the other gospels which place the resurrection of Jesus early on the first day of the week (Mark 16:9) and Mary Magdalenes visit to the tomb as being very early in the morning, on the first day of the week (Mark 16:2; Luke 24:1; John 20:1). The simplest harmonization of these facts is to picture all the women as coming to the tomb early on the first day of the week, yet as arriving at different times. As DA 788.3 puts it: The women had not all come to the tomb from the same direction. Mary Magdalene was the first to reach the place Since Mary arrived at the tomb first, departed to tell the disciples of the empty tomb, and came back to the tomb as the other women were headed to the disciples to report what they had seen, Mary was the first to talk with Jesus (John 20:14). Later, He appeared to the other women as they were en route to bear the angels message to the disciples (Matthew 28:9). This order of events is borne out by Mark 16:9, which plainly states that Jesus, when He rose early on the first day of the week, appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven devils and by John 20:3 which places Marys encounter with Jesus after Peter and Johns visit to the empty tomb (see also Luke 24:912, which places Peters visit to the tomb after Mary Magdalenes report). DA 788.1 builds on Marks statement: On the first day of the week, very early, they made their way to the tomb, taking with them precious spices to anoint the Saviour's body.

27 And perhaps the other Mary as well (cf. Matt. 28:1; Mark 15:47), though John does not mention anyone but Mary Magdalene at the tomb at first (John 20:1). Does not the phrase, we know not, indicate that she saw herself as speaking for more than one? Luke 24:10 says, It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. This was a collective report, delivered in three partsMary Magdalenes announcement of the empty tomb first, then the report of Jesus appearance to Mary, which was followed by the announcement of the angels to the women and of Jesus appearance to them.

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She turned and said to Him, Rabboni! (which is to say, Teacher). Jn 20.17 Jesus said to her, Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father: but go to my

brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your father, and My God and your God. Jn 20.18 Mary Magdalene came and, Mk 16.10 as they mourned and wept, told the disciples Mk 16.10 who had been with Him that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her. Mk 16.11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

Mt 28.9 And as Lk 24.10 Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, Rejoice!28 So they came and held Him by the feet and worshipped Him. Mt 28.10 Then Jesus said to them, Do not be afraid., Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me. Lk 24.9 Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Lk 24.11 And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them.

Mt 28.11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. Mt 28.12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, Mt 28.13 saying, Tell them, His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept. Mt 28.14 And if this come to the governors ears, we will appease him and make you secure. Mt 28.15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Sunday afternoon (Mark 16:1213; Luke 24:1335)

Lk 24.13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was

seven miles from Jerusalem. Lk 24.14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. Lk 24.15 So it was while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. Lk 24.16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. Lk 24.17 And he said to them, What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?

Lk 24.18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?

Lk 24.19 And He said to them, What things? So they said to Him, The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed

and word before God and all the people, Lk 24.20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. Lk 24.21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since29 these things happened. Lk 24.22 Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. Lk 24.23 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. Lk 24.24 And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.

Lk 24.25 Then He said to them, O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Lk 24.26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?

Lk 24.27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Lk 24.28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. Lk 24.29 But they constrained Him, saying, Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And He went in to stay with them. Lk 24.30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Lk 24.31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. Lk 24.32 And they said to one another, Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us? 28 Ellen White harmonizes this point in this way: After He had ascended to the Father, Jesus appeared to the other women (DA 793.3). 29 See footnote 13 above regarding Fred Coulters translation of this phrase.

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Lk 24.33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, Lk 24.34 saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon.30 Lk 24.35 And they told Mk 16.13 the rest Lk 24.35 about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known of them in the breaking of bread, Mk 16.13 but they did not believe them either.

Sunday eveningfirst appearance to the group (Mark 16:14; Luke 24:3649; John 20:1925)

Jn 20.19 Then, the same day at evening (being the first day of the week), when the doors were shut

where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, Lk 24.36 as they said these things, Mk 16.14 as they sat at the table,31 Jn 20.19 Jesus Lk 24.36 Himself Jn 20.19 came and Lk 24.36 stood in the midst of them, and said to them, Peace to you. Lk 24.37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. Lk 24.38 And He said to them, Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Mk 16.14 And He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. Lk 24.39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me, and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have. Lk 24.40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. Lk 24.41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, Have you any food here? Lk 24.42 So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb. Lk 24.43 And He took it and ate in their presence. Lk 24.44 Then He said to them, These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me. Lk 24.45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Lk 24.46 Then He said to them, Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, Lk 24.47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. Lk 24.48 And you are witnesses of these things. Lk 24.49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.

Jn 20.20 Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jn 20.21 So Jesus said to them again, Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you. Jn 20.22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. Jn 20.23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.

Jn 20.24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. Jn 20.25 The other disciples therefore said to him, We have seen the Lord. So he said to them, Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.

Eight days latersecond appearance to the group (John 20:2631; 1 Cor. 15:5)

Jn 20.26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them.32 Jesus came, the

doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace to you. Jn 20.27 Then He said to Thomas, Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing. Jn 20.28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God. Jn 20.29 Jesus said to him, Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Jn 20.30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the 30 The appearance of Jesus to Peter is not described, but took place some time before they returned to meet with the disciples on Sunday evening. 1

Corinthians 15:5 says: and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. There is no other account of Jesus appearance to Peter. 31 Mark 16:14 says he manifested Himself to the eleven (cf. Mat 28:16; 24:9, 33). We should not press the literalness of the number too far. John 20:24

says Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. More importantly, in the meeting that took place eight days later when Thomas was with them, recorded in John 20:26 there is no description of a meal or of Jesus having rebuked their unbelief.

32 Ellen White describes the week in this way: For a whole week he brooded over his wretchedness, which seemed all the darker in contrast with the hope and faith of his brethren (DA 806.4). This is the reason Jesus appeared eight days laternot because Sunday was in some way to become the day for Christian assembly. We have no way of knowing on which day of the week Jesus appeared to the group the third time (John 21). 1 Cor. 15:5 calls them the twelve.

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presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; Jn 20.31 but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. Third appearance to the group, beside the sea in Galilee (John 21:125)

Jn 21.1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this

way He showed Himself. Jn 21.2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Jn 21.3 Simon Peter said to them, I am going a fishing.

They say to him, We are going with you also. They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. Jn 21.4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

Jn 21.5 Then Jesus said to them, Children, do you have any food? They answered Him, No. Jn 21.6 And He said to them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some. So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Jn 21.7

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord! Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed

it), and plunged into the sea. Jn 21.8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. Jn 21.9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jn 21.10 Jesus said to them, Bring some of the fish which you have just caught. Jn 21.11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. Jn 21.12 Jesus said to them, Come and eat breakfast. Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, Who are you?knowing that it was the Lord. Jn 21.13 Jesus then came and took bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. Jn 21.14 This is now the third time that Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. Jn 21.15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?

He said to Him, Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. He said to him, Feed My lambs. Jn 21.16 He said to him again a second time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me? He said to Him, Yes, Lord; You know that I love you. He said to him, Tend My sheep. Jn 21.17 He said to him the third time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me? Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, Do you love me? And he said to Him,

Lord, You know all things; You know that I love you. Jesus said to him, Feed my sheep. Jn 21.18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you

girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish. Jn 21.19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, Follow me.

Jn 21.20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at supper, and said, Lord, who is the one who betrays you? Jn 21.21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, But Lord, what about this man?

Jn 21.22 Jesus said to him, If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me. Jn 21.23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? Jn 21.24 This is the disciple which testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. Jn 21.25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

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In Galilee (Mark 16:1518; Matt. 28:1620; 1 Cor. 15:6)

Mt 28.16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain, which Jesus had appointed

for them. 1Co 15.6 He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once. Mt 28.17 When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some doubted. Mt 28.18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Mt 28.19 Go therefore, Mk 16.15 into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature; Mt 28.19 and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Mt 28.20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you: Mk 16.16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Mk 16.17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; Mk 16.18 they will take up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. Mt 28.20And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Thursday (40 days after the crucifixion; 10 days before Pentecost) (Acts 1:38; 1 Cor. 15:7)

Ac 1.3 To whom also He presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being

seen by them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. (1Co 15.7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.) Ac 1.4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, which, He said, you have heard from Me; Ac 1.5 for John truly baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. Ac 1.6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

Ac 1.7 And He said to them, It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in his own authority. Ac 1.8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

On Mount Olivet between Jerusalem and Bethany (Mark 16:1920; Luke 24:5053; Acts 1:912)

Lk 24.50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up his hands, and blessed them. Lk 24.51

Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven Ac 1.9 and a cloud received Him out of their sight (Mk 16.19 and sat down at the right hand of God). Ac 1.10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, Ac 1.11 Who also said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you have seen Him go into heaven. Lk 24.52 And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy Ac 1.12 from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem a Sabbath days journey. Lk 24.53 And were continually in the temple blessing God. Mk 16.20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.