Who Killed Jesus?

This article originally appeared on Ligonier.org.

Murder mysteries are popular these days. Agatha Christie’s fiction works continue to be read by a new generation, making her the best-selling author of all time. TV shows such as Dateline or 48 Hours feature weekly narrations of true stories. Numerous podcasts are dedicated to recounting solved murders or bringing attention to cold cases.

But when it comes to the death of a truly innocent victim, Jesus of Nazareth, we do not need to call on a detective to solve it. We have eyewitnesses whose testimony makes it abundantly clear who was responsible for Jesus’ death. On Pentecost, Peter stood with the other Apostles and openly declared who murdered the Son of God. Peter said:

Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. (Acts 2:22–23)

Though this statement is crystal clear, Peter’s words reveal layered distinctions that must be made when answering the question, “Who killed Jesus?”

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