This collection of sermons, devotionals, essays, and theological and historical studies reflect on the central event of the Christian faith: Jesus’ Passion and resurrection. Scholarly works explore the historicity of the Gospel accounts, examine the nature of crucifixion in the ancient world, and analyze who is historically culpable for Christ’s death. Then several collections of sermons and theological studies dig into the theological implications of the cross and the implications of Jesus’ final hours for practical Christian living.

In this lecture, Emil Hirsch analyzes the accounts—biblical and otherwise—of Jesus’ crucifixion and concludes the sole person responsible for Jesus death was Pilate. Hirsch argues the Pilate, a product of a cruel and selfish empire, was representative of the typical Roman ruler, and that this system is responsible for Jesus’ condemnation and execution.