Crucifixion of Jesus

==New Testament narratives==
{{See also|Gospel harmony}}
The earliest detailed accounts of the death of Jesus are contained in the four [[Biblical canon|canonical]] [[gospel]]s.<ref>{{Bibleref2|Matthew|26:46–27:60}}; {{Bibleref2|Mark|14:43–15:45}}; {{Bibleref2|Luke|22:47–23:53}}; {{Bibleref2|John|18:3–19:42}}</ref> There are other, more implicit references in the New Testament epistles. In the [[Synoptic Gospel|synoptic]] gospels, [[Jesus predicts his death]] in three separate places.<ref>''St Mark's Gospel and the Christian faith'' by Michael Keene (2002) {{ISBN|0-7487-6775-4}} pp.&nbsp;24–25</ref> All four Gospels conclude with an extended narrative of  [[Arrest of Jesus|Jesus's arrest]], [[Sanhedrin trial of Jesus|initial trial at the Sanhedrin]] and final trial at [[Pilate's court]], where Jesus is flogged, condemned to death, is led to the place of crucifixion initially [[Christ Carrying the Cross|carrying his cross]] before Roman soldiers induce [[Simon of Cyrene]] to carry it, and then Jesus is crucified, [[Entombment of Christ|entombed]], and [[Resurrection of Jesus|resurrected]] from the dead. In each Gospel these five events in the life of Jesus are treated with more intense detail than any other portion of that Gospel's narrative. Scholars note that the reader receives an almost hour-by-hour account of what is happening.<ref name=Powell>Powell, Mark A. ''Introducing the New Testament''. Baker Academic, (2009). {{ISBN|978-0-8010-2868-7}}</ref>{{rp|p.91}}

[[File:Ca' Rezzonico - Innalzamento della Croce (Inv.065) - Sebastiano Mazzoni.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|left|A depiction of the ''Raising of the Cross'', by [[Sebastiano Mazzoni]], 17th century, [[Ca' Rezzonico]]]]
After arriving at [[Calvary|Golgotha]], Jesus was offered wine mixed with [[myrrh]] or [[Citrullus colocynthis|gall]] to drink. Both the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of Matthew record that he refused this. He was then crucified and hanged between two convicts. According to some translations of the original Greek, the convicts may have been bandits or Jewish rebels.<ref>[[Reza Aslan]] (2014). ''Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth''. Random House. {{ISBN|0812981480}}.</ref> According to the Gospel of Mark, he endured the torment of crucifixion from the third hour (between approximately 9 a.m. and noon),<ref>{{Bibleref2|Mark|15:25}}</ref> until his death at the ninth hour, corresponding to about 3 p.m.<ref>{{Bibleref2|Mark|15:34–37}}</ref> The soldiers affixed a sign above his head stating "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" which, according to the [[Gospel of John]], was in [[INRI|three languages]] (Hebrew, Latin, and Greek), and then divided his garments and cast lots for his seamless robe. According to the Gospel of John, the Roman soldiers did not break  Jesus's legs, as they did to the two crucified convicts (breaking the legs hastened the onset of death), as Jesus was dead already. Each gospel has its own account of  Jesus's last words, [[Sayings of Jesus on the cross|seven statements]] altogether.<ref name = "JInt">[[Bart D. Ehrman|Ehrman, Bart D.]] (2009). ''[[Jesus, Interrupted]]''. HarperCollins. {{ISBN|0-06-117393-2}}</ref> In the [[Synoptic Gospels]], various [[#Reported extraordinary occurrences|supernatural events]] accompany the crucifixion, including [[Crucifixion darkness and eclipse|darkness]], an earthquake, the tearing of the sanctuary's veil and the resurrection of saints (in the Gospel of Matthew).<ref>{{Bibleref2|Matthew|26:51–53}}</ref> Following  Jesus's death, his body was removed from the [[cross]] by [[Joseph of Arimathea]] and buried in a [[Sepulchre|rock-hewn tomb]], with [[Nicodemus]] assisting.

[[File:Bronzino-Christ-Nice.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|left|[[Bronzino]]'s depiction of the crucifixion with three nails, no ropes, and a {{lang|la|hypopodium}} standing support, {{c.|1545}}]]
The three [[Synoptic gospels]] also describe [[Simon of Cyrene]] bearing the cross,<ref>{{Bibleref2|Matthew|27:31–32}}; {{Bibleref2|Mark|15:20–21}}; {{Bibleref2|Luke|23:26}}</ref> a crowd of people mocking Jesus<ref>{{Bibleref2|Matthew|27:39–43}}; {{Bibleref2|Mark|15:29–32}}; {{Bibleref2|Luke|23:35–37}}</ref> along with the other two crucified men,<ref>{{Bibleref2|Matthew|27:44}}; {{Bibleref2|Mark|15:32}}; {{Bibleref2|Luke|23:39}}</ref> darkness from the 6th to the 9th hour,<ref>{{Bibleref2|Matthew|27:45}}; {{Bibleref2|Mark|15:33}}; {{Bibleref2|Luke|23:44–45}}</ref> and the [[Holy of Holies|temple veil]] being torn from top to bottom.<ref>{{Bibleref2|Matthew|27:51}}; {{Bibleref2|Mark|15:38}}; {{Bibleref2|Luke|23:45}}</ref> The Synoptic Gospels also mention several witnesses, including a [[centurion]],<ref>{{Bibleref2|Matthew|27:54}}; {{Bibleref2|Mark|15:39}}; {{Bibleref2|Luke|23:47}}</ref> and several women who watched from a distance,<ref>{{Bibleref2|Matthew|27:55–56}}; {{Bibleref2|Mark|15:40–41}}; {{Bibleref2|Luke|23:49}}</ref> two of whom were present during [[Entombment of Christ|the burial]].<ref>{{Bibleref2|Matthew|27:61}}; {{Bibleref2|Mark|15:47}}; {{Bibleref2|Luke|23:54–55}}</ref>

The Gospel of Luke is the only gospel to omit the detail of the sour wine mix that was offered to Jesus on a reed,<ref>{{Bibleref2|Matthew|27:34}}; {{Bibleref2-nb|Matthew|27:47–49}}; {{Bibleref2|Mark|15:23}}; {{Bibleref2-nb|Mark|15:35–36}}; {{Bibleref2|John|19:29–30}}</ref> while only Mark and John describe Joseph actually taking the body down off the cross.<ref>{{Bibleref2|Mark|15:45}}; {{Bibleref2|John|19:38}}</ref>

There are several details that are only mentioned in a single gospel account. For instance, only the Gospel of Matthew mentions an earthquake, resurrected saints who went to the city and that Roman soldiers were assigned to guard the tomb,<ref>{{Bibleref2|Matthew|27:51}}; {{Bibleref2-nb|Matthew|27:62–66}}</ref> while Mark is the only one to state the time of the crucifixion (the third hour, or 9&nbsp;a.m. – although it was probably as late as noon)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ray |first1=Steve |title=When Was Jesus Crucified? How Long on the Cross? Do the Gospels Contradict Each Other? |url=https://catholicconvert.com/blog/2017/04/14/how-long-was-jesus-on-the-cross/ |publisher=Defenders of the Catholic Faith |access-date=10 August 2019 |archive-date=August 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828112718/https://catholicconvert.com/blog/2017/04/14/how-long-was-jesus-on-the-cross/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the centurion's report of  Jesus's death.<ref>{{Bibleref2|Mark|15:25}}; {{Bibleref2-nb|Mark|15:44–45}}</ref> The Gospel of Luke's unique contributions to the narrative include  Jesus's words to the women who were mourning, one criminal's rebuke of the other, the reaction of the multitudes who left "beating their breasts", and the women preparing spices and ointments before resting on the Sabbath.<ref>{{Bibleref2|Luke|23:27–32}}; {{Bibleref2-nb|Luke|23:40–41}}; {{Bibleref2-nb|Luke|23:48}}; {{Bibleref2-nb|Luke|23:56}}</ref> John is also the only one to refer to the request that the legs be broken and the soldier's subsequent piercing of  Jesus's side (as fulfillment of [[Old Testament]] prophecy), as well as that [[Nicodemus]] assisted Joseph with burial.<ref>{{Bibleref2|John|19:31–37}}; {{Bibleref2-nb|John|19:39–40}}</ref>

According to the [[First Epistle to the Corinthians]] (1 Corinthians 15:4), Jesus was raised from the dead ("on the third day" counting the day of crucifixion as the first) and according to the canonical gospels, [[Resurrection of Jesus#Biblical accounts|appeared to his disciples]] on different occasions before [[Ascension of Jesus|ascending]] to heaven.<ref>{{Bibleref2|John|19:30–31}}; {{Bibleref2|Mark|16:1}}; {{Bibleref2|Mark|16:6}}</ref> The account given in [[Acts of the Apostles]] says that Jesus remained with the apostles for 40 days, whereas the account in the Gospel of Luke makes no clear distinction between the events of Easter Sunday and the Ascension.<ref>Geza Vermes, ''The Resurrection'' (Penguin, 2008), p. 148.</ref><ref>E. P. Sanders, ''The Historical Figure of Jesus'' (Penguin, 1993), p. 276.</ref> Most biblical scholars agree that the author of Luke [[Authorship of Luke–Acts|also wrote the Acts of the Apostles]] as a follow-up volume to the Gospel of Luke account, and the two works must be considered as a whole.<ref>Donald Guthrie, New Testament Introduction (Intervarsity, 1990), pp. 125, 366.</ref>

In Mark, Jesus is crucified along with two rebels, and the sun goes dark or is obscured for three hours.<ref name = "ActJMark">[[Robert W. Funk|Funk, Robert W.]] and the [[Jesus Seminar]] (1998). ''The Acts of Jesus: The Search for the Authentic Deeds of Jesus''. HarperSanFrancisco. "Mark", pp.&nbsp;51–161. {{ISBN|978-0060629786}}.</ref> Jesus calls out to [[God in Christianity|God]], then gives a shout and dies.<ref name = "ActJMark"/> The curtain of the Temple is torn in two.<ref name = "ActJMark"/> Matthew follows Mark, but mentions an earthquake and the resurrection of saints.<ref name = "ActJMatthew">[[Robert W. Funk|Funk, Robert W.]] and the [[Jesus Seminar]] (1998). ''The Acts of Jesus: The Search for the Authentic Deeds of Jesus''. HarperSanFrancisco. "Matthew," pp.&nbsp;129–270. {{ISBN|978-0060629786}}.</ref> Luke also follows Mark, although he describes the rebels as common criminals, one of whom defends Jesus, who in turn promises that he (Jesus) and the criminal will be together in paradise.<ref name = "ActJLuke">[[Robert W. Funk|Funk, Robert W.]] and the [[Jesus Seminar]] (1998). ''The Acts of Jesus: The Search for the Authentic Deeds of Jesus''. HarperSanFrancisco. "Luke", pp.&nbsp;267–364. {{ISBN|978-0060629786}}.</ref> Luke portrays Jesus as impassive in the face of his crucifixion.<ref name="MisJ">[[Bart D. Ehrman|Ehrman, Bart D.]] (2005). ''[[Misquoting Jesus]]: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why''. HarperCollins. {{ISBN|978-0-06-073817-4}}.</ref> John includes several of the same elements as those found in Mark, though they are treated differently.<ref name = "ActJJohnG">[[Robert W. Funk|Funk, Robert W.]] and the [[Jesus Seminar]] (1998). ''The Acts of Jesus: The Search for the Authentic Deeds of Jesus''. HarperSanFrancisco. "John", pp.&nbsp;365–440. {{ISBN|978-0060629786}}.</ref>
{{clear}}

=== Textual comparison ===
The comparison below is based on the ''[[New International Version]]''.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! !! style="width:24%" | Matthew !! style="width:24%" | Mark !! style="width:24%" | Luke !! style="width:24%" | John
|- valign="top" style="background-color:OldLace;"
| ''[[Stations of the Cross|Way of the Cross]]'' || Matthew 27:32–33
* Soldiers had [[Simon of Cyrene]] carry  Jesus's cross.
|| Mark 15:21–22
* Soldiers had Simon of Cyrene carry  Jesus's cross.
|| Luke 23:26–32
* Soldiers had Simon of Cyrene carry  Jesus's cross.
* Jesus said to wailing women: "Don't weep for me, but for yourselves and your children."
|| John 19:17
* "They"<ref name="John's crucifiers">In verse 19:17 and 19:18, only a third person plural verb is used ("they"), it is not clear whether this refers to the high priests (οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς) to whom Pilate delivered Jesus in 19:15–16, or to the soldiers (οὖν στρατιῶται) who crucified Jesus according to 19:23.</ref> had Jesus carry the cross.
|- valign="top" style="background-color:Ivory;"
| ''Crucifixion'' || Matthew 27:34–36
* Jesus tasted wine mixed with [[bile|gall]], refused to drink more.
* Soldiers crucified Jesus, cast lots for his clothes and kept watch.
* [No time indicated]
|| Mark 15:23–25
* Jesus refused to drink wine mixed with [[myrrh]].
* Soldiers crucified Jesus and cast lots for his clothes.
* This happened at nine in the morning on the day of Passover (14:12, 15:25).
|| Luke 23:33–34
* [No drink mentioned]
* Soldiers crucified Jesus and cast lots for his clothes.
* Jesus: "[[Sayings of Jesus on the cross|Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing]]."<ref>In some manuscripts of Luke, these words are omitted. Annotation ''Nieuwe Bijbelvertaling'' (2004).</ref>
* [No time indicated]
|| John 19:18, 23–24
* [No drink mentioned]
* "They"<ref name="John's crucifiers"/> crucified Jesus and four soldiers each took a garment, casting lots over the undergarment (this fulfilled a prophecy).
* This happened after noon on the Day of Preparation before Passover (19:14, 31)
|- valign="top" style="background-color:MintCream;"
| ''Mocking'' || Matthew 27:37–44
* Sign: "This is Jesus, the king of the Jews".
* Passersby, high priests, teachers of the law, elders and both rebels mocked Jesus.
|| Mark 15:26–32
* Sign: "The king of the Jews".
* Passersby, high priests, teachers of the law and both rebels mocked Jesus.
|| Luke 23:35–43
* Sign: "This is the king of the Jews".
* The people's rulers, soldiers (offered wine vinegar) and one criminal mocked Jesus.
* The other criminal defended him, and asked Jesus to remember him.
* Jesus: "[[Sayings of Jesus on the cross|Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise]]."
|| John 19:19–22, 25–27
* Sign: "Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews".
* High priests complained to Pilate: "Don't write "King of the Jews", but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews." Pilate: "[[Quod scripsi, scripsi]]."
* [No mockery mentioned]
* [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Jesus's mother Mary]], [[Mary of Clopas]] and [[Mary Magdalene]] stood near the cross.
* Jesus told [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Mary]]: "[[Sayings of Jesus on the cross|That is your son]]", and told the [[Disciple whom Jesus loved|beloved disciple]]: "[[Sayings of Jesus on the cross|That is your mother]]."
|- valign="top" style="background-color:Azure;"
| ''Death'' || Matthew 27:45–56
* At noon, a three-hour-long darkness came across the land.
* About three, Jesus cried out loud: "[[Sayings of Jesus on the cross|Eli, Eli, lema sabachtani?]]"
* Bystander offered Jesus wine vinegar, others said: "Now let's see if Elijah saves him."
* Jesus cried out again and died.
* Temple curtain ripped, earthquake.
* Tombs broke open, many dead came back to life and appeared to many people in Jerusalem.
* Centurion and soldiers terrified: "Surely he was the Son of God."
* Many women from Galilee looked on from a distance, including [[Mary Magdalene]], [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Mary, mother of James and Joseph]]<ref name="Marys"/> and the mother of [[Zebedee]]'s sons.
|| Mark 15:33–41
* At noon, a three-hour-long darkness came across the land.
* At three, Jesus cried out loud: "[[Sayings of Jesus on the cross|Eloï, Eloï, lema sabachtani?]]"
* Bystander offered Jesus wine vinegar and said: "Now let's see if Elijah comes to take him down."
* Jesus cried out loud and died.
* Temple curtain ripped.
* Centurion: "Surely this man was the Son of God."
* From a distance, the women from Galilee looked on, including [[Mary Magdalene]], [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Mary, mother of James and Joses]] and [[Salome (disciple)|Salome]].<ref name="Marys">Based on other Biblical verses, it is often concluded that this Mary was [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Jesus' own mother]], and that James and Joses/Joseph were his brothers, see [[brothers of Jesus]].</ref>
|| Luke 23:44–49
* About noon, a three-hour-long darkness came across the land.
* Temple curtain ripped.
* Jesus called out loud: "[[Sayings of Jesus on the cross|Father, into your hands I commit my spirit]]," and died.
* Centurion: "Surely this was a righteous man."
* Bystanders beat their chest and went away.
* Those who know him, including the Galilean women, stood at a distance.
|| John 19:28–37
* [No darkness mentioned, no time indicated]
* To fulfill Scripture, Jesus said: "[[Sayings of Jesus on the cross|I am thirsty]]."
* "They" let Jesus drink wine vinegar.
* Jesus said: "[[Sayings of Jesus on the cross|It is finished]]," and died.
* [No mention of reaction from bystanders or effect on temple curtain]
* Soldiers broke the legs of the other two crucified men, but not  Jesus's legs (this fulfilled a prophecy), but did pierce his side with a spear (this fulfilled another prophecy).
|}