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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN:
“THE FINAL HOURS: TRIAL, EXECUTION AND BURIAL”

[“Execute him!”]

Matthew 27:1-2 – Priests Hand Jesus Over to Pilate

|| Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66; 23:1

MT27:1 Now at daybreak the religious hierarchy 1671 and elders of the [Jewish] people counseled together 1672 against Jesus so he might be put to death.

1671	Religious hierarchy: Or, “chief priests.” See notes on ARCHIEREIS elsewhere.

1672	Counseled together: Or, RIEU: in full council to decide; NEB: met in conference. Another star-chamber court. The only charge has been blasphemy.

MT27:2 Having bound Jesus they led him off and turned him over to the governor Pilate. 1673

1673

Pilate: Pilate is named 55 times in the Christian Bible. He was governor of Judea by Caesar’s appointment (Luke 3:1). Though Josephus mentions him, Pilate was unknown historically until a find in 1961 which confirmed the Gospel accounts [Jewish Antiquities, XVIII, 55-59 (iii, 1); XVIII, 60-62 (iii, 2); The Jewish War, II, 175-177 (ix, 4)]. The first century Jewish philosopher Philo mentions him (The Embassy to Gaius, XXXVIII, 299-305).

Matthew 27:3-10 – Judas Hangs Himself

MT27:3 Then Judas his betrayer, having seen that the judgment went against Jesus, felt remorse 1674 and tried to return the thirty pieces of silver 1675 [Zechariah 11:12, 13] to the religious hierarchy and Jewish elders.

1674	Felt remorse: Or, KJV: repented; RHM: smitten with remorse; TAY: deeply regretted.

1675	Thirty pieces of silver: This was the price of a slave (Exodus 21:32).

MT27:4 He told them, “I have sinned by betraying righteous blood.” 1676 But those leaders said, “How does this involve us? 1677 You take care of that problem.”

1676	Righteous blood: Or, KJV: innocent blood.

1677	How does this involve us: Or, RIEU: Why should we care; MOF: it is your affair, not ours.

MT27:5 After throwing the silver pieces into the Sanctuary, 1678 Judas left and went and hanged himself. 1679

1678

Sanctuary: The Greek is NAON or the Divine Habitat. There is disagreement on this exact location. Some, like Thayer’s, believe this to be the Holy Place, or first compartment behind huge doors. It is possible that where Judas met with the Jewish priests and elders was within offices around the Temple. He could well have thrown the coins under the front doors or even an open door to the Temple proper. Research the word NAOS for details.

1679	Hanged himself: Some suggest this was from a tree over a cliff which proceeded to break casting Judas’ body down to the ground where it burst open. Compare Acts 1:18.

MT27:6 However, having picked up the silver coins, the religious hierarchy said: “It is not lawful 1680 to cast the silver coins into the temple-treasury since it is blood-money.”

1680

It is not lawful: The hypocrisy is unthinkable that they would consider what was legal or lawful to do with blood-money that they had paid for the betrayal of Jesus. A similar hypocrisy is shown in removing the body of Jesus before the Sabbath for it was not lawful to leave a body hanging on the Sabbath!

MT27:7 After they took counsel they bought with the silver coins the Field of the Potter for the burial of unknown strangers. 1681

1681	Unknown strangers: Or, RIEU: foreigners; WEY: people not belonging to the city.

MT27:8 To this day 1682 this field is called ‘Field of Blood.’ 1683

1682	To this day: This would seem to prove Matthew was composed before the complete destruction of Jerusalem.

1683	Field of Blood: Or, NEB: Blood Acre.

MT27:9 Thus what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah 1684 was fulfilled: “And they took the thirty pieces of silver as how they put a price upon or estimated the value of one from among the sons of Israel.

1684

The prophet Jeremiah: The quote is actually from Zechariah 11:12. There are three explanations why Matthew credits Jeremiah with the quote: a) Jeremiah led off the section of the Prophets; b) one ancient text uses “Zechariah” in a margin (Syh) and Syp,s omits “Jeremiah”; and, c) it is possible and suggested by some that Jesus has formed a conflate (a compound paraphrase) of Zechariah 11:12 and Jeremiah 18:2, 3 and thus the reference to Jeremiah as the prophetic source. For notes on Zechariah 11:12 when used as a “proof text” regarding the Trinity research Zechariah 11:12 in Nazarene Commentary.

MT27:10 And they gave the silver money for the potter’s field just as YHWH ordered me.” [Zechariah 11:12]

Matthew 27:11-14 – “Are You King of the Jews?”

|| Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:2-5; John 18:28-38a

MT27:11 When Jesus stood in front of the governor, Pilate inquired of him, asking, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered: “You said it.” 1685

1685	You said it: See notes at Matthew 26:25.

MT27:12 In the process of being accused by the religious hierarchy and [Jewish] elders, Jesus would not answer MT27:13 Then Pilate said to Jesus, “Are you not listening to how much they are testifying 1686 against you?”

1686	How much they are testifying: Or, RIEU: do you not hear what a case they are building up; WEY: mass of evidence. Mark 15:3 adds, “… the chief priests proceeded to accuse him of many things.”

MT27:14 Still Jesus did not answer Pilate with a single word. Pilate began to marvel very much 1687 about Jesus.

1687

To marvel very much: RIEU: leaving him completely at a loss; NEB: great astonishment. John 18:34-38 adds, Jesus answered: “Is it of your own originality that you say this, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate answered: “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you up to me. What did you do?” Jesus answered: “My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.” Therefore Pilate said to him: “Well, then, are you a king?” Jesus answered: “You yourself are saying that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone that is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him: “What is truth?” (NWT)

Matthew 27:15-23 – Barabbas or Jesus?

|| Mark 15:6-14; Luke 23:13-23; John 18:38b-40

MT27:15 Now according to the custom 1688 during the [Jewish] festivals the governor would release a prisoner by the choice of the crowd.

1688	Custom: Possibly a Jewish custom for John 18:39 adds, “You have a custom that I should release a man to you at the Passover.”

MT27:16 At that time there was a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. 1689

1689	Barabbas: John 18:40 adds, “… a robber.” Mark 15:7 adds, “… in bonds with the seditionists, who in their sedition had committed murder.” His name is mentioned 11 times in the Gospels. His name possibly means, “Son of the teacher.” (A rabbi’s son?)

MT27:17 Leading [Barabbas and Jesus] together [before the crowd] Pilate asked them: “Who do you want me to release? Barabbas or the one called ‘Messiah’ – Jesus?” MT27:18 For Pilate realized it was because of jealousy 1690 [the religious hierarchy] had turned Jesus over to him.

1690	Because of jealousy: Or, PME: through sheer malice.

MT27:19 Now while sitting on his judgment-seat Pilate’s woman approached him and warned, “A dream about him has tormented me 1691 today! Have nothing to do with 1692 that righteous man!”

1691	A dream about him has tormented me: Or, KNX: I dreamed I suffered much on his account; NEB: I was much troubled; GDSP: for I have just had a painful experience in a dream about him; PME: I went through agonies dreaming about him last night.

1692	Have nothing to do with: Or, KNX: do not meddle with this innocent man; BECK: let that righteous man alone.

MT27:20 But the religious hierarchy and the Jewish elders persuaded the crowd so that they asked for the release of Barabbas, while they should destroy Jesus. MT27:21 Governor Pilate responded and asked the crowd: “Which of the two do you want me to release?” The crowd said, “Barabbas!” MT27:22 Pilate asked, “So what shall I do with Jesus, the one said to be ‘Messiah’?” The mob screamed, “Execute him!” 1693

1693

Execute him: The Greek is STAUROTHETO which literally means to impale on a stake or tree. Traditionally this is “crucify him.” Some think the root word STAUROS means a simple upright pole without a cross-beam. Others believe the word to include a stake with a cross-beam. Research the word cross or STAUROS. Because of the two views – each with their logical reasons – we choose a neutral phrase execute or instrument of execution. When the Greek XYLON is used we will prefer “tree.” Those who wish may read “crucify him!”

MT27:23 Pilate asked: “For what crime?” But the mob cried even louder, 1694 “Execute him!”

1694	The mob cried even louder: KJV: a tumult was made; RSV: a riot was beginning; KNX: the uproar only became worse; LAM: confusion was increasing.

Matthew 27:24-26 – “His Blood Come Upon Us!”

|| Mark 15:15; Luke 23:24, 25; John 19:1

MT27:24 Realizing none of this accomplished anything but only aroused the mob more, Pilate took water and washed off his hands opposite the mob, telling them, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. 1695 You do as you please.”

1695	I am innocent of this man’s blood: Or, KNX: I have no part in the death of this innocent man; WEY: I am not responsibility for this bloodshed.

MT27:25 After Pilate responded, all the people said, “His blood come upon us and upon our own children!” MT27:26 Then Pilate released Barabbas to them but had Jesus whipped 1696 and handed over for execution. 1697

1696	Whipped: Or, KJV: scourged; NEB: flogged. Compare 1 Peter 2:24. John 19:3 adds, “Also, they would give him slaps in the face.”

1697	Execution: The Greek is STAUROTHE or ‘put upon a stake (cross).’

Matthew 27:27-31 – Jesus Afflicted by Troops

|| Mark 15:16-20; John 19:2-16

MT27:27 It was then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the praetorium 1698 along with a whole company of troops.

1698	Praetorium: Or, KJV: common hall; RHM: judgment-hall; NEB: the governor’s headquarters; WMS: barracks.

MT27:28 After stripping him of his garments they covered him with a scarlet robe. MT27:29 Having braided a crown of thorns they forced it upon his head. In his right hand they placed a reed and then they knelt in front of him and made sport 1699 of him, saying, “Greetings, King of the Jews!”

1699	Made sport: KJV: mocked; NW: made fun.

MT27:30 They spit upon Jesus and taking the reed from his hand they beat him about his head. MT27:31 After they made sport of him they took the robe off Jesus and put on his outer garments. Then they led Jesus off to be executed. 1700

1700	To be executed: The Greek is STAUROSAI or “to put on a stake (cross).”

Matthew 27:32-37 – Executed at Golgotha

|| Mark 15:21-26; Luke 23:26-34, 38; John 19:17-24

MT27:32 Now as they were on their way they found a Cyrenian named Simon. 1701 They forced this one into service so that he might carry the instrument of execution. 1702

1701	A Cyrenian named Simon: Mark 15:21 adds, “… the father of Alexander and Rufus.” These are possibly Christians named later in the Bible.

1702

The instrument of execution: As it is called by the Dictionary of New Testament Theology. The Greek is STAURON. According to Vine’s Expository: denotes, primarily, “an upright pale or stake.” On such malefactors were nailed for execution. Both the noun and the verb stauroo, “to fasten to a stake or pale,” are originally to be distinguished from the ecclesiastical form of a two beamed “cross.” The shape of the latter had its origin in ancient Chaldea, and was used as the symbol of the god Tammuz (being in the shape of the mystic Tau, the initial of his name) in that country and in adjacent lands, including Egypt. By the middle of the 3rd cent. A.D. the churches had either departed from, or had travestied, certain doctrines of the Christian faith. In order to increase the prestige of the apostate ecclesiastical system pagans were received into the churches apart from regeneration by faith, and were permitted largely to retain their pagan signs and symbols. Hence the Tau or T, in its most frequent form, with the cross-piece lowered, was adopted to stand for the “cross” of Christ.

MT27:33 Upon reaching the placed called Golgotha 1703 (also named ‘Skull Rock’)

1703	Golgotha: It is also called “Calvary” (Luke 23:33, KJV, Dy). For details read, Biblical Archaeology Review, March/April 1986, p. 50; Biblical Archaeology Review (May/June 1986, p. 38)

MT27:34 they gave to Jesus a drink of wine mixed with gall 1704 but tasting it he refused to drink it.

1704	Wine mixed with gall: Or, PME: mixed with some bitter drug. This was a painkiller and Jesus refused it. It would seem he wanted his mind open to experience this suffering as the Father willed.

MT27:35 After they placed him on the instrument of execution they distributed his garments by casting lots. 1705

1705

They distributed his garments by casting lots: In fulfillment of Psalm 22:18, “They apportion my garments among themselves, and upon my clothing they cast lots.” John 19:23, 24 adds, “Now when the soldiers had impaled Jesus, they took his outer garments and made four parts, for each soldier a part, and the inner garment. But the inner garment was without a seam, being woven from the top throughout its length. Therefore they said to one another: ‘Let us not tear it, but let us determine by lots over it whose it will be.’ This was that the scripture might be fulfilled: ‘They apportioned my outer garments among themselves, and upon my apparel they cast lots.’ And so the soldiers really did these things.” (See the KJV on Matthew 27:35)

MT27:36 They all sat there and watched Jesus. MT27:37 And then they posted above his head the written charge against him: “This is Jesus – King of the Jews.” 1706

1706

This is Jesus – King of the Jews: John 19:19-22 adds, Pilate wrote a title also and put it on the torture stake. It was written: “Jesus the Nazarene the King of the Jews.” Therefore many of the Jews read this title, because the place where Jesus was impaled was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, in Greek. However, the chief priests of the Jews began to say to Pilate: “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered: “What I have written I have written.”

Matthew 27:38-44 – The Mob’s Abuse

|| Mark 15:27-32; Luke 23:35-37

MT27:38 Two thieves 1707 were put on stakes at the same time with Jesus, one to his right and one to his left.

1707	Thieves: Or, MON: robbers; PME: bandits.

MT27:39 Now those traveling passed blasphemed 1708 Jesus, wagging their heads, 1709 [Psalm 22:7]

1708	Blasphemed: The Greek is E-BLASPHEMOUN. Or, KJV: reviled; NEB: hurled abuse; MOF: derision.

1709

Wagging their heads: The Greek is KINOUNTES TAS KEPHALAS. Compare the third century Jewish Greek Septuagint (LXX) at Psalm 22:7 – EKINESAN KEPHALEN, “They keep opening their mouths wide, they keep wagging their head.” Psalm 22 foretells a public execution where eyewitnesses make fun and attack the victim.

MT27:40 and calling out, “The person who said ‘tear the Temple down 1710 and in three days’ – save yourself! If you are a son of The God come down from the stake.”

1710	Tear the Temple down: Clearly the erroneous accusation had spread widely.

MT27:41 Also, the religious hierarchy made sport of 1711 Jesus. The Scribes and [Jewish] elders said:

1711	Made sport of: Or, MON: kept taunting him; MOF: made fun of him.

MT27:42 “He saved others… but he cannot save himself! He is ‘king of Israel’! [If] he comes down from the stake we will believe in him! MT27:43 He trusted The God! 1712 Let [God] rescue him if He wants! Because he said, 1713 ‘I am Son of The God!’”

1712	He trusted The God: Compare Psalm 22:8, “He committed himself to Yehowah. Let Him provide him with escape!”

1713

Because he said: Mark 15:32 adds, “Let the Christ the King of Israel now come down.” Luke 23:39-43 adds, But one of the hung evildoers began to say abusively to him: “You are the Christ, are you not? Save yourself and us.” In reply the other rebuked him and said: “Do you not fear God at all, now that you are in the same judgment? And we, indeed, justly so, for we are receiving in full what we deserve for things we did; but this [man] did nothing out of the way.” And he went on to say: “Jesus, remember me when you get into your kingdom.” And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.” (NWT; compare Lamsa)

MT27:44 From their own stakes, even the thieves were reproaching Jesus, saying the very same things.

Matthew 27:45-50 – Jesus Expires During a Darkness

|| Mark 15:33-37; Luke 23:44-46

MT27:45 Now from high noon a darkness occurred over the land 1714 until three o’clock.

1714	Darkness occurred over the land: PME: darkness spread over the whole countryside.

MT27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus screamed in a loud voice, “Eli, eli, lama sabachthani?” 1715 (or, “‘My God, my God, why have You abandoned me?’” 1716) [Psalm 22:1]

1715	Eli, eli, lama sabachthani: A Hebrew (Aramaic) phrase from Psalm 22:1. This near-death outburst seems to indicate the language Jesus normally spoke, Hebrew (Aramaic).

1716

My God, my God, why have You abandoned me: Near the moment of his death the Nazarene quotes Psalm 22:1 in his outcry. Jesus thus applies Psalm 22 to himself. Read and meditate on this Psalm which seems to describe 1,000 years before Christ a man dying on a stake. Note Psalm 22:16 (Septuagint), “They pierced my hands and feet.”

MT27:47 But some of those standing around thought Jesus was calling for Elijah. MT27:48 And immediately one in the crowd ran and placed a sponge filled with sour wine on a stick and offered it to Jesus to drink. MT27:49 The rest of the crowd said, “Leave him alone! Let us see if Elijah comes to save him!” Another took a spear and pierced 1717 Jesus in his side and then blood and water discharged.

1717	Another took a spear and pierced: John 19:34 adds, “… one of the soldiers jabbed his side with a spear.” Compare Isaiah 53:5 and Zechariah 12:10 (Revelation 1:7).

MT27:50 Now after Jesus again cried out with a loud voice he gave up the pneuma. 1718

1718	He gave up the pneuma: Or, KJV: yielded up the ghost; PME: and died; MOF: gave up his spirit; RIEU: yielded up his life; NEB: breathed his last; BER: dismissed his spirit. The literal meaning of PNEUMA is breath or wind.

Matthew 27:51-54 – Temple Curtain Torn in Earthquake

|| Mark 15:38, 39; Luke 23:47

MT27:51 Now the curtain of the Sanctuary was torn in two 1719 from the top down. The earth was shaken and rocks were cracked open.

1719

Curtain of the Sanctuary was torn in two: Between the Most Holy and the Holy of Herod’s temple was a curtain protecting the inner sanctuary. The Greek for “sanctuary” (or, Divine Habitat) is NAOU (Research NAOS). Many see this as God’s judgment on the Temple while others see it pointing to the way to heaven being opened. Compare Hebrews 9:3 and Hebrews 10:20. Both Mark 15:38 and Luke 23:45 mention the event.

MT27:52 The tombs were opened and many dead bodies of [ancient] saints were raised 1720 and became visible.

1720

Many dead bodies of [ancient] saints were raised: Or, KJV: the graves were opened; and many of the bodies of the saints which slept arose; BER: bodies of the buried saints arose. Note that neither Mark nor Luke mention this while recording the earthquake and rending of the Sanctuary curtain. Some understand this to refer to a resurrection of the godly men of old. Nothing is reported elsewhere on such an idea. It is more likely that the earthquake cracked open ancient rock tombs spilling and exposing the dead. Jesus is described as “the firstborn of the dead” and he was yet to be resurrected Sunday morning (Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5). Compare 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.

MT27:53 And persons left the tombs 1721 and entered the holy city.

1721

Persons left the tombs: Part of the crowd of pilgrims trying to get back into Jerusalem before the Sabbath began at sundown. Luke 23:48 adds, “And all the crowds that were gathered together there for this spectacle, when they beheld the things that occurred, began to return (to Jerusalem).” As these persons returned they observed the corpses exposed by the earthquake.

MT27:54 But the centurion and those observing Jesus, having experienced the earthquake and the other things happening, became very frightened. They said, “Surely this person was a Son of God!” 1722

1722	A Son of God: The Greek is THEOU HUIOS or NASB: a Son of God. Luke 23:47 adds, “The army officer began to glorify God, saying: ‘Really this man was righteous.’”

Matthew 27:55-56 – The Women Who Witness the Execution

|| Mark 15:40, 41; Luke 23:48, 49

MT27:55 There were many women present who had followed Jesus from Galilee. They had served him 1723 and they witnessed the execution from afar.

1723

Served him: The Greek is DIAKOOUSAI and may also be rendered “minister.” Compare Luke 8:3. Mark 15:40 adds, “… and Salome.” Luke 23:49 adds, “… all those acquainted with him were standing at a distance. Also, women, who together had followed him from Galilee, were standing beholding these things.” Or, BAS: waiting on his needs. John 19:25-27 adds: “By the torture stake of Jesus, however, there were standing his mother and the sister of his mother; Mary the wife of Clo’pas, and Mary Mag’da·lene. Therefore Jesus, seeing his mother and the disciple (John) whom he loved standing by, said to his mother: ‘Woman, see! Your son!’ Next he said to the disciple: ‘See! Your mother!’ And from that hour on the disciple (John) took her to his own home.” [See notes elsewhere on these women.]

MT27:56 These included Mary the Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of [John and James] the sons of Zebedee.

Matthew 27:57-61 – Jesus’ Body Given to Joseph of Arimathea

|| Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-55; John 19:38-42

MT27:57 Now as evening was approaching a rich man 1724 named Joseph of Arimathea, 1725 himself a disciple of Jesus,

1724	A rich man: Note the prophecy at Isaiah 53:9.

1725

Joseph of Arimathea: See Mark 15:43-46; Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38-42. Mark 15:43 adds, “… a reputable member of the Council, who also himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. He took courage to go in before Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.” Luke 23:50, 51 adds, “a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man – this [man] had not voted in support of their design and action.” John 19:38 adds, “a disciple of Jesus but a secret one out of [his] fear of the Jews.”

MT27:58 approached Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate gave the command 1726 to release [the corpse].

1726	Pilate gave the command: Mark 15:44, 45 adds, “Pilate wondered whether he was already dead, and, summoning the army officer, he asked him whether he had already died. So after making certain from the army officer, he granted the corpse to Joseph.”

MT27:59 Receivng the body Joseph wrapped it 1727 in fine, clean linen.

1727

Joseph wrapped it: John 19:39-41 adds, “Nicodemus also, the man that came to him in the night the first time, came bringing a roll of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds [of it]. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it up with bandages with the spices, just the way the Jews have the custom of preparing for burial. Incidentally, at the place where he was impaled there was a garden, and in the garden a new memorial tomb, in which no one had ever yet been laid.”

MT27:60 He placed the body in a new memorium 1728 which he had quarried out of the rock. He then rolled a great stone at the opening to the memorium and departed.

1728	A new memorium: The Greek is MNEMEIO. Or, NW: memorial tomb; KJV: new tomb; KNX: new grave; NEB: unused tomb.

MT27:61 But, there were Mary the Magdalene and the other Mary sitting before the grave.

Matthew 27:62-66 – Guards Seal the Tomb Against an Imposter

MT27:62 On the next day – after Preparation – the religious hierarchy and Pharisees assembled together before Pilate, MT27:63 saying, “Lord, we remember that plotter 1729 said when he was alive, ‘After three days I will be raised up.’

1729	That plotter: The Greek is PLANOS. Or, KJV: deceiver; NEB: imposter.

MT27:64 So, command that the grave be secured until the third day 1730 so none of his disciples can come and steal his body 1731 and then claim to the people, ‘[Jesus] was raised up from the dead.’ Then the final plot will be worse than the first.”

1730	Until the third day: This demonstrates these men understood the phrase “three days” to mean parts of three. See notes elsewhere on third day.

1731	Steal his body: Compare notes on Matthew 28:12, 13.

MT27:65 Pilate said to them: “You have a custodial guard. 1732 Go and make the security as you know how.”

1732	Custodial guard: The Greek is COUSTODIAN. Or, KJV: a watch; RIEU: a guard; MOF: guard of soldiers.

MT27:66 These went their way and secured the grave, sealing the stone with the custodial guards.