Some
Interesting Points: 1.
Some of these accounts (esp. Matthew and Mark) are more detailed than others.
Mark is believed to have been written by a young man named John Mark, a close
companion of Peter’s and therefore represented Peter’s account. Matthew
(another apostle) mentions that Peter followed at a distance, so it’s possible
(probable) he got his information from Peter. At the crucifixion, Peter and
John were present but the other apostles were not mentioned and possibly
(probably) not present. John’s account was not as detailed – but from other
passages John tended to hold back, while Peter was bullheaded and often
rushed ahead into situations. 2.
Caiaphas called a number of witnesses to testify, but their testimony did not
agree and had to be thrown out. Even the two promising witnesses did not agree,
although they did agree on the term “three days.” 3.
The term “three days” appears when Jesus warned his disciples he would be
killed and then rise after three days ( Matt 12:40, Mark 8:31, Mark 9:31, Mark
10:33). If someone is assuming a non-miraculous presentation of the Bible,
these phrases would certainly appear doubtful. However, Jesus’ enemies in the
trial also quoted Jesus as saying “three days.” (probably from the quote
recorded in John 2:19). NOTE: It was an idiom to refer to any part of a day or
night as a “day.” So when Jesus says he would rise after “three days” this is
consistent with the interpretation of the resurrection, where he was buried
Friday afternoon and rose early Sunday morning. 4.
The High Priest illegally invoked the Oath of the Testimony to convict Jesus ("I
adjure you by the Living God") -- Jesus HAD to answer the question. He admitted he was the
Messiah by using Messianic terms to refer to himself ("Son of Man"), and that He
was God ("seated at the right hand of God," "Son of God"). 5.
The high priest Caiaphas ritually tore his clothing -- this was the response he needed to give
when hearing blasphemy. 6.
After Jesus admitted he was the Messiah and God, he was beaten and mocked by
the soldiers. |
