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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 27:34

Verse 34 34.And they gave him vinegar. Although the Evangelists are not so exact in placing each matter in its due order, as to enable us to fix the precise moment at which the events occurred; yet I look upon it as a probable conjecture that, before our Lord was elevated on the cross, there was offered to him in a cup, according to custom, wine mingled with myrrh, or some other mixture, which appears to have been compounded of gall and vinegar. It is sufficiently agreed, indeed, among nearly... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 27:35

Verse 35 35.They parted his garments. It is certain that the soldiers did this also according to custom, in dividing among themselves the clothes of a man who had been condemned to die. One circumstance was perhaps peculiar, that they cast lots on a coat which was without seam, (John 19:23.) But though nothing happened to Christ in this respect but what was done to all who were condemned to die, still this narrative deserves the utmost attention. For the Evangelists exhibit to us the Son of God... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 27:37

Verse 37 Matthew 27:37.And placed over his head. What is briefly noticed by Matthew and Mark is more fully related by Luke, (Luke 23:38,) that the inscription was written in three languages. John also describes it more largely, (John 14:19.) Under this passage my readers will find what I pass over here for the sake of brevity. I shall only say, that it did not happen without the providence of God, that the death of Christ was made known in three languages. Though Pilate had no other design than... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 27:26-34

Preparations for the Crucifixion. I. THE SCOURGING . 1 . It had been predicted. "I gave my back to the smiters," Isaiah said in the spirit of prophecy; and again, in words very solemn and very precious to sin-laden consciences, "By his stripes we are healed." The Lord himself had told his disciples beforehand that he should suffer this cruel indignity ( Matthew 20:19 ). The circumstances of the Lord's sufferings were revealed to the prophets ages before the time. This fact shows... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 27:32-44

The reproach of the cross. Upon the release of the infamous Barabbas, the innocent and righteous Jesus was delivered to be crucified; and now we see him suffering the reproach of the cross. I. THE CROSS ITSELF WAS A REPROACH , 1 . It was a symbol of shame . 2 . It was an instrument of shame . II. REPROACH WAS ASSOCIATED WITH IT . 1 . In the place of the crucifixion . 2 . In the inscription on the cross . 3 . In the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 27:34

Vinegar...mingled with gall ( χολῆς ). Instead of "vinegar" ( ὀ ì ξος ) very many manuscripts, followed by Tischendorf, Westcott and Hort, and others, read here, as in Mark, "wine" ( οἶνον ). Dederunt ei viaum bibere (Vulgate). Doubtless the two words represent the same fluid, a wine of a sharp and acrid taste. The received reading in our text is supposed to be derived from Psalms 69:21 , "They gave me gall for my meats, and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink."... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 27:34

Christ refusing an opiate. The charitable ladies of Jerusalem are said to have provided some stupefying drug for the use of condemned criminals, in order to alleviate the intolerable torments of death by crucifixion. Apparently it was this drug that some people offered to Jesus; but he refused to take it. The taste of it revealed its benumbing influence, and he would not submit to this. I. CHRIST WOULD NOT SHRINK FROM HIS ALLOTTED SUFFERING . This scene is strangely... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 27:34-44

The Crucifixion and the mockery. ( Mark 15:23-32 ; Luke 23:32-43 ; John 19:18-24 .) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 27:35

They crucified him. We should try to realize the utter degradation as well as the anguish of such a death. No modern form of punishment carries with it the abhorred ignominy with which crucifixion was regarded, and we must put ourselves back eighteen centuries, and enter into the feelings of Jews and Romans, if we would view it in its genuine aspect. The narrative of this harrowing scene could not be simpler. The writer leaves it reverently to speak for itself, without any attempt at... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 27:35

The Crucifixion. "And they crucified him." There is a way of regarding the crucifixion of our Lord which we may be sure he himself must disapprove of. This is to paint it in all its horrors of physical torment, so as to harrow the feelings of the spectator, and to excite the deepest commiseration for the Sufferer. Jesus bade the women of Jerusalem not to weep for him, but to weep for themselves and their children ( Luke 23:28 ), and this he did when in all his human weakness he was just... read more

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