_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 23:1. WHOLE MULTITUDE.—Rather, “company” (R.V.). The word is a different one from that so often used to denote “the crowd,” or “the mob.” It here simply means the members of the Sanhedrim. PILATE.—His rule in Judæa had been marked by many acts of harshness and cruelty. His hat... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 23:26. SIMON, A CYRENIAN.—Rather, “of Cyrene” (R.V.). There was a colony of Jews in Cyrene, and they had a synagogue in Jerusalem (Acts 6:9; Acts 11:20). Probably he had come up to the Passover in Jerusalem. St. Mark speaks of his two sons “Alexander and Rufus,” who were eviden... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 23:32.—MALEFACTORS.—Called by St. Matthew and St. Mark “robbers.” Probably they were insurgents against Roman rule, who had been more like brigands than patriots. Luke 23:33. CALVARY.—Rather, “The Skull.” The Greek word is simply “kranion,” a rendering of the Hebrew “Golgotha... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 23:50. A COUNSELLOR.—_I.e._, a member of the Sanhedrim. Luke 23:51. HAD NOT CONSENTED.—_I.e._, had absented himself, and had taken no part in the action of the council against Jesus. ARIMATHÆA.—Some identify this with Rama in Benjamin, or Rama (Ramathaim) in Ephraim, the birt... [ Continue Reading ]