Gospel of Nicodemus also known as The Acts of Pilate

Background and Biography

Background and Biography

Excerpts

In CHAPTER VIII of the Gospel of Nicodemus, an earthquake is described as occurring before rather than after Jesus’ death.

CHAPTER VIII - English

AND it was about the sixth hour, 3 and darkness was upon the face of the whole earth until the ninth hour. 2 And while the sun was eclipsed, behold the vail of the temple was rent from the top to the bottom; and the rocks also were rent, and the graves opened, and many bodies of saints, which slept, arose. 3 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, Hely, Hely, lama zabacthani? which being interpreted, is, My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me? 4 And after these things, Jesus said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit; and having said this, he gave up the ghost.

Later in CHAPTER X, there is a description of a second earthquake associated with the discovery of the empty tomb.

CHAPTER X - English

WHEN all the assembly heard this, they admired and were astonished, because they found the same seal upon the lock of the chamber, and could not find Joseph. 2 Then Annas and Caiaphas went forth, and while they were all admiring at Joseph's being gone, behold one of the soldiers, who kept the sepulchre of Jesus, spake in the assembly. 3 That 2 while they were guarding the sepulchre of Jesus, there was an earthquake; and we saw an angel of God roll away the stone of the sepulchre and 3 sit upon it; 4 And his countenance was like lightning and his garment like snow; and we became through fear like persons dead. 5 And we heard an angel saying to the women at the sepulchre of Jesus, Do not fear; I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified; he is risen as he foretold.

Gospel of Nicodemus - Embedded

• See Chapter VIII Verse 2
• See Chapter X Verse 3

Seismic Effects

1st Earthquake

• the rocks also were rent

2nd Earthquake

• there was an earthquake

Locations

1st Earthquake

• Jerusalem

2nd Earthquake

• Jerusalem

Online Versions and Further Reading

References