Matthew 23:35

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

[This will be done] so that on you may fall the guilt for shedding on the ground the blood of all those innocent people, from the blood of righteous Abel to that of Barachiah’s son Zachariah, whom you murdered between the Sanctuary and the Altar [i.e., in the Temple area].

Cross References

Hebrews 11:4

By [having] faith, Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. [And] because of his faith he was commended by God for being righteous, when God expressed approval of his offerings. By means of his faith, Abel still speaks [to us], even though he is dead.

Revelation 18:24

And the blood of the prophets and the saints and all [others] who were killed on earth was found in her.”

Hebrews 12:24

and to Jesus, the Mediator of a New Agreement [between God and mankind], and to the sprinkled blood [of Jesus], which says better things [to us] than [the blood of] Abel did. [Note: The contrast seems to be that Abel’s blood called for vengeance and death (See Gen. 4:10) whereas the blood of Christ provides mercy and life].

Luke 11:51

Yes, I tell you, this generation will be punished [for the death of the prophets], from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who died between the Altar and the sanctuary [i.e., in the Temple area]. [Note: This punishment began about 37 years later in the war with the Romans, when Jerusalem was destroyed].

Acts 5:28

“We strictly commanded you not to teach in this name [i.e., the name of Jesus] and look [what you have done]; you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to hold us responsible for this man’s [i.e., Jesus'] death.”