Mark 15:1-15

Jesus before Pilate. A second meeting of the Sanhedrin held in the daylight regularizes the condemnation arrived at overnight. They now take Jesus to Pilate (governor of Judæ a, A.D. 26- 36, see p. 653) who was in Jerusalem during the Passover. The narrative is clearly incomplete. No formal accusation by the Sanhedrin is recorded. Pilate's conduct throughout is not characteristic of the man of ruthless cruelty, revealed in Philo, and in Luke 13:1. The description of his part is, therefore, doubted by some, who say it is determined by Mk.'s desire to make the Jews entirely responsible. The crowd calls out Crucify; Pilate hardly pronounces the sentence. Indeed Pilate recognised the innocence of Jesus and the harmlessness of His followers. But Pilate may have been impressed by Jesus, and his conduct might be determined by a wish to play with the Jewish rulers. This would be quite in keeping with what we know of him.

Mark 15:6. The custom of releasing a prisoner is not otherwise attested (John 18:39 *). It may have been a practice adopted by Pilate.

Mark 15:7. Barabbas (= son of the teacher, probably) was a fairly common name (Matthew 27:16 f.*).

Mark 15:10. Pilate rightly perceived that the priests were mainly responsible.

Mark 15:16. Scourging usually preceded crucifixion (cf. Josephus, Wars, II, xiv. 9).