John 19:17

The Crucifixion and the Title on the Cross

17. bearing his cross The better reading gives, bearing the cross for Himself. S. John omits the help which Simon the Cyrenian was soon compelled to render, as also (what seems to be implied by Mark 15:22) that at last they were obliged to carry Jesus Himself. Comp. the Lesson for Good Friday morning, Genesis 22, especially John 19:6.

went forth "The place of public execution appears to have been situated north of the city. It was outside the gate (Hebrews 13:12) and yet -nigh unto the city" (John 19:20). In the Mishna it is placed outside the city by a reference to Leviticus 24:14. It is said to have been -two men high" (Sanh. vi. 1). The Jews still point out the site at the cliff, north of the Damascus gate, where is a cave now called -Jeremiah's Grotto." This site has therefore some claim to be considered as that of the Crucifixion. It was within 200 yards of the wall of Agrippa, but was certainly outside the ancient city. It was also close to the gardens and the tombs of the old city, which stretch northwards from the cliff; and it was close to the main north road, in a conspicuous position, such as might naturally be selected for a place of public execution." Conder, Handbook to the Bible, pp. 356, 7.

of a skull Probably on account of its shape. It would be contrary to Jewish law to leave skulls unburied; and if this were the meaning of the name we should expect -of skulls" rather than -of a skull."