Various Regulations

²² “If someone has committed a crime worthy of death and is executed and hung on a tree,^[a]

³¹ It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn’t want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was Passover week). So they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. ³² So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. ³³ But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. ³⁴ One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. ³⁵ (This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also may continue to believe.^[a]) ³⁶ These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken,”^{[b] 37} and “They will look on the one they pierced.”^[c]

The Burial of Jesus

³⁸ Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away.

³¹ As they went out, they talked it over and agreed, “This man hasn’t done anything to deserve death or imprisonment.”

³³ When they came to a place called The Skull,^[a] they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.

⁶⁶ What is your verdict?”

“Guilty!” they shouted. “He deserves to die!”

²⁶ Do nothing to the young woman; she has committed no crime worthy of death. She is as innocent as a murder victim.

¹¹ If I have done something worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die. But if I am innocent, no one has a right to turn me over to these men to kill me. I appeal to Caesar!”

⁶⁴ You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?”

“Guilty!” they all cried. “He deserves to die!”

⁹ The men of Gibeon executed them on the mountain before the Lord. So all seven of them died together at the beginning of the barley harvest.