Gospel of Peter

The fragment opens at Pilate's washing of his hands; the trial concludes; Joseph of Arimathea petitions for the body; the Lord is delivered up to the people; He is led to the cross; He is laid in the tomb of Joseph in his garden.

1But of the Jews none washed his hands; neither did Herod, nor any of his judges. And whereas they would not wash, Pilate rose up. Then Herod the king commandeth that the Lord be taken — saying unto them: What things soever I commanded you to do unto Him, do.

2Now there stood there Joseph the friend of Pilate and of the Lord; and knowing that they were about to crucify Him, he came unto Pilate, and asked the body of the Lord for burial. Pilate sent unto Herod, and asked His body. Herod said: Brother Pilate, even if no man had asked for Him, we would have buried Him; for indeed the sabbath dawneth, and it is written in the law that the sun set not upon one that hath been put to death.

3And he delivered Him unto the people. They took the Lord, and pushed Him along as they ran; and said: Let us hale away the Son of God; for we have authority over Him. They put a purple robe upon Him, and set Him upon a seat of judgment, saying: Judge thou righteously, O King of Israel. One of them brought a crown of thorns, and set it upon the head of the Lord. Others stood by, and did spit in His eyes; and others smote His cheeks. Others did prick Him with a reed; and some did scourge Him, saying: With this honour let us honour the Son of God.

4And they brought two malefactors; and they crucified the Lord between them. He held His peace, as one feeling no pain. When they had set up the cross, they wrote thereon: This is the King of Israel. Having set His garments before Him, they parted them among themselves, and cast lots for them. But one of those malefactors reproached them, saying: We for the wrongs we have done suffer thus; but this man, who hath become the Saviour of men, what wrong hath He done unto you? They were wroth with him, and commanded that his legs should not be broken — that so he might die in torment.

5Now it was midday; and darkness covered all Judea. They were troubled and distressed, lest the sun had set, since He yet lived. It is written for them: The sun must not set upon him that hath been put to death. One of them said: Give Him to drink gall mingled with vinegar. They mingled it, and gave Him to drink. They fulfilled all things, and accomplished their sins upon their own head.

6Many went about with lamps, supposing it was night; and they fell down. The Lord cried out, saying: My power, My power, Thou hast forsaken Me. When He had said it, He was taken up. In that same hour the veil of the temple of Jerusalem was rent in twain. They drew out the nails from the hands of the Lord, and laid Him upon the earth. And the whole earth was shaken; and there was great fear.

7Then the sun shone forth; and it was found to be the ninth hour. The Jews rejoiced; and they gave the body unto Joseph, that he might bury it — since he had beheld the good things which He had done. Joseph took the Lord, and washed Him, and rolled Him in a linen cloth, and brought Him into his own tomb, called Joseph's Garden.