How many blows did Jesus receive? This question, rooted in the depths of religious history and Christian theology, is a poignant reminder of the suffering Jesus endured for the sake of humanity. The answer to this question lies in the narratives of the New Testament, particularly the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which provide varying accounts of Jesus’ last moments before his crucifixion.
In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded that Jesus was struck three times by Roman soldiers. The first blow came when Pontius Pilate ordered for Jesus to be scourged, a form of corporal punishment involving lashes from a whip. The whip was often dipped in vinegar mixed with salt, which caused excruciating pain and open wounds. The second blow is described when the soldiers spat on Jesus and struck him on the face. The third blow, as depicted in Matthew 27:30, is when they struck Jesus with a reed and spat on him again, mocking him as the King of the Jews.
Similarly, the Gospel of Mark also mentions three blows, with the addition of Jesus being mocked and spat upon by the soldiers. Mark’s account, however, does not explicitly state that the first blow was the scourging, but rather that Jesus was beaten by the soldiers.
The Gospel of Luke presents a slightly different account, mentioning only two blows. The first blow is the scourging, while the second blow is when the soldiers struck Jesus on the head with a reed, as mentioned in Luke 22:63-64. This account does not mention the soldiers spitting on Jesus or mocking him.
Lastly, the Gospel of John does not provide a specific number of blows Jesus received. Instead, it focuses on the overall suffering and mockery Jesus endured, without mentioning the exact number of blows.
While the Gospels present varying accounts of the number of blows Jesus received, it is important to remember that the true significance of Jesus’ suffering lies not in the quantity of blows but in the depth of his love and sacrifice for humanity. The question of how many blows Jesus received serves as a testament to the profound suffering he endured, ultimately leading to his crucifixion and resurrection, which Christians believe to be the foundation of their faith.
