Where Did Jesus Die? — Page 51
Chapter Four—Early Documentary Evidence 51 actually was dead; and he hurriedly went away to make his report. But from the insignificant wound flowed blood and water, at which John wondered, and my own hope revived. (p. 71) Pilate Hands over the Body Speaking of the successful pleading of Joseph and Nicodemus to Pilate, the letter records:— … Joseph and Nicodemus returned in great haste. Joseph through his dignity had moved Pilate, and Pilate, hav- ing received information as to the death of the crucified, gave the body to Joseph, and without taking pay therefor. (p. 72) For Pilate had a great reverence for Joseph, and secretly repented of the execution. When Nicodemus saw the wound, flowing with water and blood, his eyes were animated with new hope, and he spoke encouragingly, foreseeing what was to happen. (p. 72–73) He drew Joseph aside to where I stood, some distance from John, and spoke in a low, hurried tone: ‘Dear friends, be of good cheer, and let us to work. Jesus is not dead. He seems so only because his strength is gone. ’ ‘While Joseph was with Pilate I hurried over to our colony and fetched the herbs that are useful in such cases. But I admonish you that you tell not John that we hope to