What provision was made for the Lord at death? Where did His soul go? Are there two departments of Sheol? Did the Lord literally descend into hell? First, we see how Calvary galvanised Joseph of Arimathea, then provide answers (with application) to these questions.

'Incidental' events at the cross of Calvary that have momentous significance for the soul, showing how God has made salvation possible, and how this is experienced by all those who turn to Christ and trust in Him.

The scene at Christ's crucifixion, especially the words of onlookers, who showed their guilty rejection of His mighty miracles, their blindness to what was really taking place, and who unwittingly (in their jeers) affirmed the necessity of His atoning work. Also - the dark hours.

The events of Christ's three hearings before Pilate, the monumental choice of Barabbas over the Lord, and the Saviour's humiliation by the imperial guard all show the full depravity of unbelief, and the immeasurable love of God in redemption.

'For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;…

'Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.'

What a scene of dishonesty, hostility and brutality! Christ, the creator of all, the Holy One, put on trial by corrupt sinful people! How far He would go for our redemption! Here also is His proof that Scripture had promised a divine Saviour.

Peter's collapse from bravado to denial was rapid and humiliating. How did fear so quickly overpower him? Here are the five failings that led to his fall, including the failing of love. Here also are the means to keep us from failing today.

'One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, the Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith..'

'Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began..'