Who Killed Jesus?

Murder mysteries are popular these days. Agatha Christie’s fiction continues to be read by a new generation, making her the best-selling author of all time. TV shows like this date line or 48 Hours Contains weekly narratives of true stories. Numerous podcasts are dedicated to covering solved murders or bringing attention to unsolved cases.

But when it comes to the death of Jesus of Nazareth, a truly innocent victim, we don’t need to call in a detective to figure it out. We have eyewitnesses that make it clear who was responsible for Jesus’ death. On the day of Pentecost, Peter stood with the other Apostles and publicly declared who had killed the Son of God. Peter said:

Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man confirmed to you by God by mighty works, wonders and signs, which God has done in your midst, as you also know – this Jesus has been delivered according to a definite plan. and by the foreknowledge of God you were crucified and put to death by lawless men. (Acts 2:22–23)

Although this statement is very clear, Peter’s words, “Who killed Jesus?” It reveals the layered distinctions that need to be made when answering the question.

Pontius Pilate and Roman officials applied Jesus’ death.

Peter testified that Jesus was “crucified and killed by lawless men.” He was primarily referring to the Romans, including Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, who ordered Jesus’ death. We read that Pilate did this reluctantly, “taking water and washing his hands in the presence of the crowd, saying, ‘I am not responsible for the blood of this man'” (Matt. 27:24). But he was guilty of the murder of Jesus. When he gave the crowd the choice between releasing Jesus or the notorious criminal Barabbas, he knew they would choose the latter.​—Matt. 27:15-26.

Under Pilate’s orders, Roman soldiers crucified Christ, mocked Him with a robe and a crown of thorns, spat on Him, and placed a sign on His head denoting Him as the King of the Jews (Matthew 27:27-30). History confirmed Pilate’s guilt in the death of Christ. The Apostles’ Creed states that Jesus Christ “suffered, was crucified, died and was buried during the reign of Pontus Pilate.”

Jewish leaders and people planned And requested Jesus’ death.

At Pentecost Peter was speaking to “the men of Israel.” Peter and the other eleven Apostles, representing God’s new Israel, spoke directly to ancient Israel in a loud voice: “This Jesus . . . You was crucified and put to death by lawless men” (emphasis added). The Jewish leaders were responsible for Jesus’ death, having made a secret agreement with Judas Iscariot to betray Him. As a matter of fact, the last words of this sermon are as follows: “God made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus Who did you crucify?” (Acts 2:36, emphasis added).

In reality, every sinner chosen by God for salvation is partially responsible for Jesus’ death.

Jesus “came to him, but his own people did not receive him” (John 1:11). Worse still, when He was being judged, they all chanted, “Let Him be crucified!” They chanted slogans. (Matt. 27:22–23). The worst part is, “May his blood be upon us and our children!” They even shouted. (Matt. 27:25). Terrible judgments, including the destruction of Jerusalem within a generation, became a terrible fulfillment of the rejection and murder of the Messiah sent to them.

the chosen ones made necessary Jesus’ death.

In speaking of Christ’s crucifixion at Pentecost, Peter declared that His death and resurrection were the only means available for salvation. When the hearts of the hearers were pierced by their sin, they cried out to the Apostles: “’Brothers, what shall we do?’ And Peter said to them, ‘Repent all of you and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:38).

In reality, every sinner chosen by God for salvation is partially responsible for Jesus’ death. Our sins necessitated Jesus being nailed to the cross. But by this act “we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses” (Eph. 1:7). When we confess our sins, witness a baptism, or partake of the Lord’s Supper, we acknowledge that we actually required Christ to die, and we thank Him for it.

God rank Jesus’ death.

Incredibly, there was one final twist to Peter’s answer to this question. He said Jesus’ crucifixion occurred in accordance with “God’s precise plan and foreknowledge.” Since the Lamb was slain before the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8), it was determined by God in the council of eternal salvation that his Son would become man and die for the elect.

But we need to be careful here. Unlike the previous three parties who were guilty of Jesus’ death, God is not simply and sovereignly guilty. Aspect Westminster Confession of Faith states,

From all eternity God has freely and unchangeably commanded, whatsoever it may be, according to the wisest and holy counsel of his own will: but therefore neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will. from creatures; The freedom or contingency of second causes is not eliminated, but is established. (WCF 3.1)

While not a perfect example, God is like a conductor in a symphony who is not responsible for playing any instruments. God arranged the death of His beloved Son, without any guilt on His part, so that we might be saved.

Who knows? When it comes to Jesus’ death, the answer is clear and profound.