At what hour of the day, according to John, was Jesus delivered up by Pilate? John xix: 14. At what hour, according to Mark, was he crucified? Mark xv: 25. How do you reconcile the two statements? Ans. It is supposed that the numeral in John's account has been accidentally changed by transcribers. As they led Jesus away, who bore his cross? John xix: 17. Who else bore it a part of the way? Mark xv: 21. Who were the Alexander and Rufus here mentioned as the sons of Simon? Ans.--They were evidently well known persons then, but they are unknown at present.

      By whom was he followed? Luke xxiii: 27.

      What did Jesus say to the weeping women? 28-31.

      What is meant by the question about the green tree and the dry? 31. Ans.--A green tree is one that is alive and growing; a dry tree, one that is dead and decaying. Jerusalem was then like the green tree, and it was yet to be like the dry when about to be destroyed by the Romans. The remark, then, means, that if the women of the city were distressed by what was now going on, how much more in the more distressing time that was coming, as indicated in verses 29, 30.

      Who were led forth with Jesus? 32. To what place did they lead him? 33. What was the Hebrew name of the place, and why was it so called? Matt. xxvii: 33. Whence the name Calvary? Ans.--It came into English from the Latin word calvaria, which means a naked skull. Is it proper to speak of Mount Calvary? Ans.--No; for it was not a mount. [32]

      What did the Jews offer Jesus before they crucified him? Mark xv: 23. Why did he not drink it? Ans.--It was an intoxicating drink, and supposed to be stupefying; but he was unwilling to take anything which would affect his mind.

      Describe the crucifixion, and the disposal of his garments. Luke xxiii: 33, 34. What caused them to cast lots in dividing the garments? John xix: 23, 24. What prayer did Jesus offer as they crucified him? Luke xxiii: 34.

      Describe the mockings of the multitude. 35-37. What was written over his head, and in what languages? 38. What passed between Pilate and the Chief Priests about this title? John xix: 21, 22. State the different forms in which the four evangelists quote this inscription. Matt. xxvii:37; Mark xv: 26; Luke xxiii: 38; John xix: 19. How do you account for the differences? Ans.--Each quotes the idea expressed, and puts it in his own language.

      Repeat the conversation between the two thieves. Luke xxiii: 39, 40.

      Repeat that between the penitent thief and Jesus. 41, 42.

      Where is Paradise? Ans.--Jesus went that day into Hades; see Acts ii: 26, 29-31; consequently the Paradise here spoken of is the place of the righteous in Hades. The word is elsewhere applied to the eternal state. Rev. ii: 7. It means a place of delight.

      What does Matthew say about the two thieves? Matt. xxvii: 44.

      How is this reconciled with Luke's account? Ans.--By supposing both to be true--that is, [33] that they both reviled Jesus at first, but that one of them, after seeing the sun darkened, was convinced and changed his tone.

      Describe the darkness and the last cries of Jesus. Matt. xxvii: 45-50.

      Why did they think he was calling for Elias? Ans.--His sufferings were so great, and his mouth was so dry from thirst, that he could not speak distinctly.

      What friends were standing by, and what did Jesus say to them? John xix: 25-27.

      What was the effect of the scene on the centurion who commanded the soldiers? Luke xxiii: 47. What is Matthew's report of his remark? Matt. xxvii: 54. How do you reconcile the two? Ans.--By supposing that both are true--that is, that he exclaimed first: "Certainly this was a righteous man;" and second: "Truly this was the Son of God." What events accompanied the last cry of Jesus? Matt. xxvii: 51.

[FBL 32-34]