A third of Matthew, a third of Mark, and nearly half of John are spent on eight days. This is that week in order: what happened, on which day, and where each Gospel tells it.
The Gospels move fast for three years and then slow almost to a stop. Once Jesus comes over the Mount of Olives on a borrowed colt, the record starts keeping hours.
Below, the week runs from the arrival at Bethany to the empty tomb. The order of events is agreed by everyone. Which weekday each one falls on is not, and that argument is stated on this page in full rather than hidden inside a confident timetable.
Every event carries the Gospels that record it, and every passage opens where you stand.
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days
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events
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contested calls
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events on the Fridaythe longest day in the record
Friday and Saturday before · Six days before the Passover (John 12:1)
Arriving at Bethany
Jesus reaches Bethany, two miles from Jerusalem, and stays with friends. A crowd comes out, as much to see Lazarus as to see him.
55Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many people went up from the country to Jerusalem to purify themselves before the Passover. 56They kept looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple courts, “What do you think? Will He come to the feast at all?” 57But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where He was must report it, so that they could arrest Him. read on →
9Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews learned that Jesus was there. And they came not only because of Him, but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11for on account of him many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus.
›Mary anoints him at supperJohn12:2–8John onlyOne anointing or two?
John places this supper here, before the entry; Matthew and Mark tell it later in the week, which is why the same anointing appears twice on a week's timeline.
2So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. 3Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked, read on →
One anointing or two?
Is the woman who anoints Jesus's feet in Galilee (Luke 7) the same event as Mary of Bethany's anointing before the passion?
Two events. Different place, different time, different host's circumstances, and different point. Robertson keeps them on separate rows.
One event, remembered in two settings, the details that overlap (the ointment, the feet, the objection, the defense) are held to be too close for coincidence.
How this is handled: The rows stay separate, and each names the other.
1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two disciples, 2saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to Me. 3If anyone questions you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” read on →
1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two of His disciples 2and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. 3If anyone asks, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it shortly.’” read on →
29As He approached Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, He sent out two of His disciples, 30saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’” read on →
12The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!” 14Finding a young donkey, Jesus sat on it, as it is written: read on →
41As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it 42and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. 43For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. read on →
11Then Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, He went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
18In the morning, as Jesus was returning to the city, He was hungry. 19Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. “May you never bear fruit again!” He said. And immediately the tree withered.
12The next day, when they had left Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if there was any fruit on it. But when He reached it, He found nothing on it except leaves, since it was not the season for figs. 14Then He said to the tree, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again.” And His disciples heard this statement.
12Then Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. 13And He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’ But you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”
15When they arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. 16And He would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17Then Jesus began to teach them, and He declared, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” read on →
45Then Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were selling there. 46He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be a house of prayer.’ But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” 47Jesus was teaching at the temple every day, but the chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people were intent on killing Him. read on →
Once or twice?
Did Jesus clear the temple twice, once at the start and once at the end, or once, placed differently by John?
Twice. John reports one at an early Passover and the other three report one in the final week; read in sequence, the plain sense is two occasions, framing the ministry at both ends. This is the arrangement Robertson follows, and the harmony's row order reflects it.
Once, moved by John. John arranges by theme as much as by clock, and he puts the temple scene at the front to announce his whole subject, Jesus replaces the temple ("he spake of the temple of his body," John 2:21).
Once, moved by the other three. The minority position, held for the mirror-image reason.
How this is handled: Both rows stand, each pointing at the other, labelled as Robertson's arrangement rather than as settled fact.
20Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the feast. 21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” 22Philip relayed this appeal to Andrew, and both of them went and told Jesus. read on →
The longest day of public teaching in the week: a full morning of argument in the temple courts, and then the Olivet Discourse in the afternoon. Only the Friday holds more events, and none of them are his choosing.
The longest day of public teaching in the week: a full morning of argument in the temple courts, and then the Olivet Discourse in the afternoon. Only the Friday holds more events, and none of them are his choosing.
19Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. “May you never bear fruit again!” He said. And immediately the tree withered. 20When the disciples saw this, they marveled and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” 21“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. read on →
20As they were walking back in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from its roots. 21Peter remembered it and said, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree You cursed has withered.” 22“Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them. read on →
23When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?” 24“I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ read on →
27After their return to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking in the temple courts, and the chief priests, scribes, and elders came up to Him. 28“By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You the authority to do them?” 29“I will ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. read on →
1One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the gospel, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, came up to Him. 2“Tell us,” they said, “by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” 3“I will also ask you a question,” Jesus replied. “Tell Me: read on →
15Then the Pharisees went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words. 16They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance. 17So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” read on →
13Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to catch Jesus in His words. 14“Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?” 15But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.” read on →
20So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. 21“Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” read on →
23That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him. 24“Teacher,” they said, “Moses declared that if a man dies without having children, his brother is to marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. 25Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died without having children. So he left his wife to his brother. read on →
18Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him: 19“Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. 20Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children. read on →
27Then some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to question Him. 28“Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. 29Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a wife, but died childless. read on →
34And when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they themselves gathered together. 35One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with a question: 36Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law? read on →
28Now one of the scribes had come up and heard their debate. Noticing how well Jesus had answered them, he asked Him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. 30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ read on →
41While the Pharisees were assembled, Jesus questioned them: 42“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” “David’s,” they answered. 43Jesus said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord’? For he says: read on →
35While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, He asked, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? 36Speaking by the Holy Spirit, David himself declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’ 37David himself calls Him ‘Lord.’ So how can He be David’s son?” And the large crowd listened to Him with delight.
41Then Jesus declared, “How can it be said that the Christ is the Son of David? 42For David himself says in the book of Psalms: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand 43until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’ read on →
1Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples: 2“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. read on →
38In His teaching Jesus also said, “Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, to receive greetings in the marketplaces, 39and to have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”
45In the hearing of all the people, Jesus said to His disciples, 46“Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. 47They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”
41As Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury, He watched the crowd putting money into it. And many rich people put in large amounts. 42Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius. 43Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury. read on →
1Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3“Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. read on →
1As Jesus left the temple and was walking away, His disciples came up to Him to point out its buildings. 2“Do you see all these things?” He replied. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” 3While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” read on →
1“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. read on →
1As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, look at the magnificent stones and buildings!” 2“Do you see all these great buildings?” Jesus replied. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” 3While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, read on →
5As some of the disciples were remarking how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and consecrated gifts, Jesus said, 6As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down. 7“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” read on →
1When Jesus had finished saying all these things, He told His disciples, 2You know that the Passover is two days away, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified. 3At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, read on →
1Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a covert way to arrest Jesus and kill Him. 2“But not during the feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”
1Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death; for they feared the people.
6While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, 7a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He reclined at the table. 8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant and asked, “Why this waste? read on →
3While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head. 4Some of those present, however, expressed their indignation to one another: “Why this waste of perfume? 5It could have been sold for over three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. read on →
One anointing or two?
Is the woman who anoints Jesus's feet in Galilee (Luke 7) the same event as Mary of Bethany's anointing before the passion?
Two events. Different place, different time, different host's circumstances, and different point. Robertson keeps them on separate rows.
One event, remembered in two settings, the details that overlap (the ointment, the feet, the objection, the defense) are held to be too close for coincidence.
How this is handled: The rows stay separate, and each names the other.
14Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.
10Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. 11They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus.
3Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. 4And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. 5They were delighted and agreed to give him money. read on →
17On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 18He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’” 19So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
12On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 13So He sent two of His disciples and told them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him, 14and whichever house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ read on →
7Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. 8Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare for us to eat the Passover.” 9“Where do You want us to prepare it?” they asked. read on →
The Passover question
Was the last supper the Passover meal? The first three Gospels say it was; John seems to put the crucifixion before the meal.
The Synoptics are plain: this is the Passover (Mark 14:12). John's remarks are read as referring to the week's other festival meals, the accusers avoid defilement so they can "eat the passover" of the days that follow (John 18:28).
John is plain too, and means the seder: the trial falls on "the Preparation of the passover" (John 19:14), which has Jesus dying as the lambs are killed, the identification John makes from the start ("the Lamb of God," John 1:29).
Both are literally right because more than one calendar was in use at once, so different groups kept Passover on different days.
How this is handled: The order of events on these rows is not in dispute; the calendar behind them is, and the table does not settle it.
1It was now just before the Passover Feast, and Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end. 2The evening meal was underway, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God. read on →
21And while they were eating, He said to them, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” 22They were deeply grieved and began to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” 23Jesus answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me. read on →
18And while they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you who is eating with Me will betray Me.” 19They began to be grieved and to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I?” 20He answered, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping his hand into the bowl with Me. read on →
21Look! The hand of My betrayer is with Mine on the table. 22Indeed, the Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but woe to that man who betrays Him.” 23Then they began to question among themselves which of them was going to do this.
21After Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit and testified, “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” 22The disciples looked at one another, perplexed as to which of them He meant. 23One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side. read on →
26While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.” 27Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. read on →
22While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it; this is My body.” 23Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. read on →
17After taking the cup, He gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves. 18For I tell you that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.” 19And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” read on →
31When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify the Son in Himself—and will glorify Him at once. 33Little children, I am with you only a little while longer. You will look for Me, and as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ read on →
1“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. 2In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. read on →
1“I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. 2He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. read on →
1“I have told you these things so that you will not fall away. 2They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. 3They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me. read on →
1When Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. 2For You granted Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him. 3Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. read on →
36At that time Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He told them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” read on →
32Then they came to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus told His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33He took with Him Peter, James, and John, and began to be deeply troubled and distressed. 34Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch.” read on →
39Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. 40When He came to the place, He told them, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation.” 41And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed, read on →
47While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” 49Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. read on →
43While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. 44Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” 45Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. read on →
47While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. 48But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49Those around Jesus saw what was about to happen and said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” read on →
2Now Judas His betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. 3So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you seeking?” read on →
57Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered. 58But Peter followed Him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. And he went in and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. 59Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. read on →
53They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders, and scribes assembled. 54Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the officers and warmed himself by the fire. 55Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. read on →
54Then they seized Jesus, led Him away, and took Him into the house of the high priest. And Peter followed at a distance. 55When those present had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56A servant girl saw him seated in the firelight and looked intently at him. “This man also was with Him,” she said. read on →
13They brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better if one man died for the people. 15Now Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he also went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. read on →
1Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin devised a plan. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate.
66At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and scribes, met together. They led Jesus into their Sanhedrin and said, 67“If You are the Christ, tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe. 68And if I ask you a question, you will not answer. read on →
11Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. 12And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer. 13Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?” read on →
1Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin devised a plan. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate. 2So Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. 3And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things. read on →
1Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate. 2And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.” 3So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. read on →
28Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. By now it was early morning, and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium, to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover. 29So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?” 30“If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.” read on →
6When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. 7And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time. 8When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle. read on →
15Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing. 16At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. 17So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” read on →
6Now it was Pilate’s custom at the feast to release to the people a prisoner of their choosing. 7And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. 8So the crowd went up and began asking Pilate to keep his custom. read on →
13Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him. 15Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death. read on →
39But it is your custom that I release to you one prisoner at the Passover. So then, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40“Not this man,” they shouted, “but Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.) read on →
3When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. 4“I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” 5So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. read on →
Two accounts
Matthew and Acts describe Judas's death and the field bought with the money differently.
The accounts describe different aspects of one outcome, a hanging and a subsequent fall, and "bought" in Acts means the money bought it, not that Judas handled the purchase.
The two accounts preserve genuinely different traditions, and forcing them together does justice to neither.
How this is handled: The row carries both references and names the difficulty rather than resolving it in a table cell.
27Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company around Him. 28They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt down before Him to mock Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” read on →
16Then the soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called the whole company together. 17They dressed Him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and set it on His head. 18And they began to salute Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!” read on →
26As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus. 27A great number of people followed Him, including women who kept mourning and wailing for Him. 28But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. read on →
16Then Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified, and the soldiers took Him away. 17Carrying His own cross, He went out to The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.
35When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots. 36And sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. 37Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. read on →
24And they crucified Him. They also divided His garments by casting lots to decide what each of them would take. 25It was the third hour when they crucified Him. 26And the charge inscribed against Him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. read on →
33When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left. 34Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots. 35The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” read on →
18There they crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on each side, with Jesus in the middle. 19Pilate also had a notice posted on the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20Many of the Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. read on →
Which day?
On what day of the week was Jesus crucified?
Friday, the traditional and majority reading. The Gospels call it the day of Preparation (Mark 15:42) and the women rest on the Sabbath that follows (Luke 23:56). Robertson works in this frame.
Wednesday, argued from "three days and three nights" (Matthew 12:40), which needs a festival "high" Sabbath (John 19:31) distinct from the weekly one.
Thursday, a middle position answering the same difficulty with one fewer day.
How this is handled: The sequence of events holds under any of the three. The table gives the sequence and leaves the weekday named as a question. Robertson prints the year itself as "A.D. 30 or 29."
45From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 47When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He is calling Elijah.” read on →
33From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 34At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 35When some of those standing nearby heard this, they said, “Behold, He is calling Elijah.” read on →
44It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour. 45The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. 46Then Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” And when He had said this, He breathed His last.
28After this, knowing that everything had now been accomplished, and to fulfill the Scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29A jar of sour wine was sitting there. So they soaked a sponge in the wine, put it on a stalk of hyssop, and lifted it to His mouth. 30When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished.” And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit.
51At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split. 52The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. 53After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs, they entered the holy city and appeared to many people. read on →
38And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39When the centurion standing there in front of Jesus saw how He had breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” 40And there were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. read on →
47When the centurion saw what had happened, he gave glory to God, saying, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48And when all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts. 49But all those who knew Jesus, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching these things.
57When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who himself was a disciple of Jesus. 58He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, read on →
42Now it was already evening. Since it was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath), 43Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Council member who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. 44Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, so he summoned the centurion to ask if this was so. read on →
50Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, 51who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea, and was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. read on →
31It was the day of Preparation, and the next day was a High Sabbath. In order that the bodies would not remain on the cross during the Sabbath, the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies removed. 32So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and those of the other. 33But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. read on →
55The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how His body was placed. 56Then they returned to prepare spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath, according to the commandment.
62The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and Pharisees assembled before Pilate. 63“Sir,” they said, “we remember that while He was alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64So give the order that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him away and tell the people He has risen from the dead. And this last deception would be worse than the first.” read on →
1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. read on →
5But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; He has risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay. 7Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ See, I have told you.” read on →
2Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they went to the tomb. 3They were asking one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb?” 4But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, even though it was extremely large. read on →
1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. read on →
1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.
9And when they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11But their words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. read on →
2So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she said, “and we do not know where they have put Him!” 3Then Peter and the other disciple set out for the tomb. 4The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. read on →
9Early on the first day of the week, after Jesus had risen, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had driven out seven demons. 10She went and told those who had been with Him, who were mourning and weeping. 11And when they heard that Jesus was alive and she had seen Him, they did not believe it.
11But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent down to look into the tomb, 12and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13“Woman, why are you weeping?” they asked. “Because they have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I do not know where they have put Him.” read on →
How Mark ends
Did Mark's Gospel originally end at 16:8?
The two oldest complete Greek manuscripts, Sinaiticus and Vaticanus, end at 16:8, and several early witnesses show scribes aware of a problem here. On this reading verses 9–20 are a later ending.
The longer ending is quoted early and is present in the great majority of manuscripts, and a Gospel ending mid-sentence at "for they were afraid" strikes many as no ending at all.
How this is handled: Robertson draws on Mark 16:9–20 for several resurrection rows. Those rows are flagged, and the other Gospels' witness to the same appearances stands beside them.
Six places where laying the week out at all requires a decision. Each one is stated here exactly as the harmony states it, and none of them is settled by putting it in a table.
Which day?
On what day of the week was Jesus crucified?
Friday, the traditional and majority reading. The Gospels call it the day of Preparation (Mark 15:42) and the women rest on the Sabbath that follows (Luke 23:56). Robertson works in this frame.
Wednesday, argued from "three days and three nights" (Matthew 12:40), which needs a festival "high" Sabbath (John 19:31) distinct from the weekly one.
Thursday, a middle position answering the same difficulty with one fewer day.
How this is handled: The sequence of events holds under any of the three. The table gives the sequence and leaves the weekday named as a question. Robertson prints the year itself as "A.D. 30 or 29."
The Passover question
Was the last supper the Passover meal? The first three Gospels say it was; John seems to put the crucifixion before the meal.
The Synoptics are plain: this is the Passover (Mark 14:12). John's remarks are read as referring to the week's other festival meals, the accusers avoid defilement so they can "eat the passover" of the days that follow (John 18:28).
John is plain too, and means the seder: the trial falls on "the Preparation of the passover" (John 19:14), which has Jesus dying as the lambs are killed, the identification John makes from the start ("the Lamb of God," John 1:29).
Both are literally right because more than one calendar was in use at once, so different groups kept Passover on different days.
How this is handled: The order of events on these rows is not in dispute; the calendar behind them is, and the table does not settle it.
Once or twice?
Did Jesus clear the temple twice, once at the start and once at the end, or once, placed differently by John?
Twice. John reports one at an early Passover and the other three report one in the final week; read in sequence, the plain sense is two occasions, framing the ministry at both ends. This is the arrangement Robertson follows, and the harmony's row order reflects it.
Once, moved by John. John arranges by theme as much as by clock, and he puts the temple scene at the front to announce his whole subject, Jesus replaces the temple ("he spake of the temple of his body," John 2:21).
Once, moved by the other three. The minority position, held for the mirror-image reason.
How this is handled: Both rows stand, each pointing at the other, labelled as Robertson's arrangement rather than as settled fact.
One anointing or two?
Is the woman who anoints Jesus's feet in Galilee (Luke 7) the same event as Mary of Bethany's anointing before the passion?
Two events. Different place, different time, different host's circumstances, and different point. Robertson keeps them on separate rows.
One event, remembered in two settings, the details that overlap (the ointment, the feet, the objection, the defense) are held to be too close for coincidence.
How this is handled: The rows stay separate, and each names the other.
Two accounts
Matthew and Acts describe Judas's death and the field bought with the money differently.
The accounts describe different aspects of one outcome, a hanging and a subsequent fall, and "bought" in Acts means the money bought it, not that Judas handled the purchase.
The two accounts preserve genuinely different traditions, and forcing them together does justice to neither.
How this is handled: The row carries both references and names the difficulty rather than resolving it in a table cell.
How Mark ends
Did Mark's Gospel originally end at 16:8?
The two oldest complete Greek manuscripts, Sinaiticus and Vaticanus, end at 16:8, and several early witnesses show scribes aware of a problem here. On this reading verses 9–20 are a later ending.
The longer ending is quoted early and is present in the great majority of manuscripts, and a Gospel ending mid-sentence at "for they were afraid" strikes many as no ending at all.
How this is handled: Robertson draws on Mark 16:9–20 for several resurrection rows. Those rows are flagged, and the other Gospels' witness to the same appearances stands beside them.
