Who Killed Jesus? (List of Conspirators)

Who killed Jesus is a question which is asked by thousands of people all around the world. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ was planned by 6 conspirators.

The six (6) conspirators who killed Jesus were:

  1. The Sanhedrin – Jewish High Council
  2. Pontius Pilate
  3. Judas Iscariot
  4. An unnamed Roman Centurion
  5. Herod Antipas
  6. Joseph Caiaphas

Each of the conspirators played his part for pushing the process along. The motives of the conspirators ranged from hatred to greed to duty.

Many years back, the old testament prophets declared that the messiah would be led like a sacrificial lamb which is ready for slaughter. It was the only way that was left from which the world could be saved from sin.

The following article describes the role of each of the conspirator, which was played by him for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and giving history it’s the most important trial.

History of Crucifixion

It is believed that Simon of Cyrene was the man who carried the crucifixion cross of Jesus Christ when Jesus himself collapsed after carrying it for a long time.

History of Crucifixion
History of Crucifixion (Who Killed Jesus?)

It is this incident that made the phrase “Jesus bears his own cross” famous.

Read | Apocalypse Bible Meaning, Folklore and Synonyms

Jesus addressed the crowd and especially the women present there as “Daughters of Jerusalem” who were weeping for him before the crucifixion which differentiated these women from the ones who followed him to his crucifixion.

The path which was taken to transport Jesus Christ to his spot of the crucifixion is known as the Via Dolorosa. It is a street presence in the old city of Jerusalem.

Just before the crucifixion, Jesus Christ addressed the women who were weeping in the crowd and said:

 “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me but weep for yourselves and your children.

For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’

For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

List of the Conspirators (Who Killed Jesus?)

Many people were involved in the death of Jesus Christ. But the correct answer to the question of who killed Jesus has only 6 names in the answer.

The six people who were the main planners for the death of Jesus Christ were Pontius Pilate, Judas Iscariot, Caiaphas, Sanhedrin, Herod Antipas and an unnamed Roman centurion.

1. The Sanhedrin – Jewish High Council

The Sanhedrin was the Jewish High Council for Israel’s High Court and enforced mosaic law. The president of this particular Court was the high priest Joseph Caiaphas.

The Sanhedrin - Jewish High Council
The Sanhedrin – Jewish High Council (Who Killed Jesus?)

He was the one who killed Jesus and let the charges of blasphemy against Christ. Jesus Christ was innocent but still, this particular Court voted for convicting him.

They did this at the exceptions of Nicodemus and the Joseph of Arimathea.

Read | 100+ Names of Animals in the Bible, A to Z

The punishment which was given to Jesus Christ was dead but this particular Court had no actual authorities for ordering execution.,

For this particular authority, they need the help of the Roman Governor-appointed, Pontius Pilate. Thus, this particular Court was the one who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

2. Pontius Pilate

Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is also the answer to the question of who killed Jesus.

Guide to the Beliefs and Religions of the World
Pontius Pilate – Roman Governor of Judea (Who Killed Jesus Christ?)

He was the one who had all the powers of giving someone life or death in ancient Israel. He had the sole authority for executing any criminal who was present in that particular area.

When Jesus Christ was sent to him for the trial, the Governor found no reason for putting him to death. He ordered Jesus Christ to be brutally flogged and sent him to the Herod, who would send him back.

Read | Difference Between Angels, Demons, and Ghosts

But still, the court of Israel and the Pharisees were not at all satisfied.

He was the one who killed Jesus and given a torturous death which is reserved by the court for only the most violent criminals present in that area.

The Governor who had always been a politician throughout his life washed his hands of the matter and then give away Jesus Christ to one of his centurions for carrying out the death sentence.

So, Jesus Christ was crucified by the sentence of the court and the governor of Judea.

3. Judas Iscariot

Judas Iscariot was one of the 12 disciples who were chosen by Jesus Christ himself. He was the treasurer of the group and was also in charge of the common money bag.

Judas Iscariot - Betrayer of Jesus Christ
Judas Iscariot – Betrayer of Jesus Christ (Who Killed Jesus?)

It is mentioned in some of the religious texts and sacred books that he did not have any saying in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ but some other literary works tell us that he was the one who betrayed his master’s for 30 pieces of silver.

Read | Kingdom of God Folklore and Significance

This was the standard price that had to be paid for a Slave.

But he did this particular thing out of greed or for forcing the messiah to overthrow the Romans as it was suggested by some of the scholars.

He went from being one of the closest friends of Jesus Christ to a man who is named first in the list of the conspirators responsible for the death of Jesus Christ.

4. Centurion

An unknown officer in the ancient Roman Army was given an order by the court and the governor which changed his life completely. He was ordered by the court for crucifying Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Centurion - Officer in Ancient Rome_s Army
Centurion – Officer in Ancient Rome’s Army (Who Killed Jesus?)

He is mentioned in the Bible but his exact name and details are unknown.

He was acting under the direct orders of the Governor and the man who was under the particular Centurion for command for carrying out the crucifixion, very coldly and efficiently.

Read | What are the Holy Days of Obligation?

5. Herod Antipas

Herod Antipas was a tetrarch or the ruler of Perea and Galilee and was appointed by the Romans. The governor of Judea sent Jesus Christ to him because Jesus Christ was also a Galilean and under the jurisdiction of Herod.

Herod Antipas - Tetrarch of Galilee
Herod Antipas – Tetrarch of Galilee (Who Killed Jesus?)

He had earlier murdered the great Prophet John the Baptist who was a friend of Jesus Christ and also a Kinsman. Instead of speaking the truth, he ordered Jesus Christ for performing a miracle in front of him.

Read | 15 Top Christian Easter Songs with Lyrics

When Jesus Christ stood silent, he sent him back to the Governor for execution.

6. Joseph Caiaphas

Joseph Caiaphas was the highest priest present in the temple of Jerusalem from the 18th to 37th AD. He was the most powerful man who was present in ancient Israel and felt threatened by the popularity of Jesus of Nazareth.

Joseph Caiaphas - High Priest of the Jerusalem Temple
Joseph Caiaphas – High Priest of the Jerusalem Temple (Who Killed Jesus?)

He played a major role in the execution of Jesus Christ because he thought that Jesus Christ might start a rebellion which could cause a clampdown by the Romans.

Read | Why Wave Palm Leaves on Palm Sundays?

Crucifixion Method

Historians believe that the execution of Jesus Christ was done on a traditional two crossbeams. The two beams were joined together employing nails.

Crucifixion Method
Crucifixion Method (Who Killed Jesus?)

Jesus Christ was then crucified on the cross by the means of 2 nails (one in each palm) and 2 nails (one in each knee).

Read | Randy Travis Glory Train Songs

Crucifixion of Jesus

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is believed to have taken place somewhere around AD 30 and 33. The complete description of the incident of the crucifixion is given in the canonical gospels.

Crucifixion of Jesus
Crucifixion of Jesus (Who Killed Jesus?)

But no exact details of the date and time of this incident are provided and this incident of How old was Jesus when he died has always been a hot topic of dispute among the historians, both Christians and non-Christians.

Read | 28 Famous Christian Female Singers

Conclusion

Who killed Jesus Christ is a question which not only arises in the minds of the Christian people but also in the non-Christians people all around the world.

It has been concluded from the written pieces of evidence present in the religious texts that the death of Jesus happened was because of the 6 conspirators and their efforts.

The conspirators were Pontius Pilate, Judas Iscariot, Caiaphas, Sanhedrin, Herod Antipas, and an unnamed Roman centurion.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Why is Judas Iscariot considered to be the main culprit behind the death of Jesus Christ?

Judas Iscariot is believed to be the main traitor and the culprit behind the death of Jesus Christ because he was the one who went from being the closest friend of Jesus Christ his enemy and the backstabber.

Who was the man who carried the crossbeam on which Jesus Christ was crucified?

Simon of Cyrene is believed to be the man who carried the crossbeam on which Jesus Christ was crucified. He was compelled by the Romans for doing the same.

When did Jesus Christ Die?

It is mentioned in the much-sacred text and religious sources that Jesus Christ died on 3rd April AD 33, somewhere around 3 pm.