3. Matthew[[101]] and Luke[[102]] state, that one Simon bore our Lord’s cross to Calvary; John,[[103]] that Jesus bore it himself.
4. The inscription annexed by Pilate to the cross is given differently by every one of the Evangelists.
Matthew:[[104]] “This is Jesus the king of the Jews.”
Mark:[[105]] “The king of the Jews.”
Luke:[[106]] “This is the king of the Jews.”
John:[[107]] “Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews.”
5. Matthew[[108]] and Mark[[109]]; state that our Lord on the cross was reviled by both the malefactors; but Luke[[110]] affirms that when one of them was guilty of this shocking mockery, he was rebuked by the other; and that the latter received the well-known assurance, “this day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.”
6. The last discrepancy which I shall mention, has reference to the final Passover, and its relation to the day of crucifixion. But in order to understand the case, and indeed to read with intelligence the whole series of events connected with the crucifixion and resurrection, it is necessary to bear in mind the following facts:—
(a.) That the Jewish day commenced in the evening, and was reckoned from sunset to sunset.
(b.) That the Jewish Sabbath was the seventh day of the week, and extended from six o’clock on Friday evening, to the same time on Saturday.