The Trial and Death of Jesus

Abstract

Along with the resurrection, the trial and death of Jesus forms the climax of the gospel accounts and stands at the heart of Christian preaching. After briefly surveying the relevant sources, the following article will highlight the apologetic and literary nature of the canonical Christian gospels, the earliest surviving ‘lives’ of Jesus. It will then sketch the religio-political circumstances of first-century Jerusalem, situate Jesus’ last few hours against that broader backdrop, and examine a number of key gospel traditions. A final reflection will point to some of the theological ways in which Jesus’ death was interpreted by his earliest followers.

Keywords

• crucifixion
• gospels
• passover
• high priest
• chief priests
• caiaphas
• pontius pilate
• barabbas
• herod
• judas
• blasphemy
• antisemitism