Jesus Delivered to Pilate 1Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrina devised a plan. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate. 2So Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. 3And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things. 4Then Pilate questioned Him again, “Have You no answer? Look how many charges they are bringing against You!” 5But to Pilate’s amazement, Jesus made no further reply. The Crowd Chooses Barabbas 6Now it was Pilate’s custom at the feast to release to the peopleb a prisoner of their choosing. 7And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. 8So the crowd went up and began asking Pilate to keep his custom. 9“Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” Pilate asked. 10For he knew it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over. 11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas to them instead. Pilate Delivers Up Jesus 12So Pilate asked them again, “What then do you want me to do with the One you call the King of the Jews?” 13And they shouted back, “Crucify Him!” 14“Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” 15And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified. The Soldiers Mock Jesus 16Then the soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called the whole company together. 17They dressed Him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and set it on His head. 18And they began to salute Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19They kept striking His head with a staff and spitting on Him. And they knelt down and bowed before Him. 20After they had mocked Him, they removed the purple robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him out to crucify Him. The Crucifixion 21Now Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and the soldiers forced him to carry the cross of Jesus. 22They brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha, which means The Place of the Skull. 23There they offered Him wine mixed with myrrh, but He did not take it. 24And they crucified Him. They also divided His garments by casting lots to decide what each of them would take.c 25It was the third hourd when they crucified Him. 26And the charge inscribed against Him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. 27Along with Jesus, they crucified two robbers,e one on His right and one on His left.f 29And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30come down from the cross and save Yourself!” 31In the same way, the chief priests and scribes mocked Him among themselves, saying, “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! 32Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” And even those who were crucified with Him berated Him. The Death of Jesus 33From the sixth hour until the ninth hourg darkness came over all the land. 34At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”h 35When some of those standing nearby heard this, they said, “Behold, He is calling Elijah.” 36And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine.i He put it on a reed and held it up for Jesus to drink,j saying, “Leave Him alone. Let us see if Elijah comes to take Him down.” 37But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last. 38And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39When the centurion standing there in front of Jesus saw how He had breathed His last,k he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” 40And there were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses,l and Salome. 41These women had followed Jesus and ministered to Him while He was in Galilee, and there were many other women who had come up to Jerusalem with Him. The Burial of Jesus 42Now it was already evening. Since it was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath), 43Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Council member who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. 44Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead, so he summoned the centurion to ask if this was so. 45When Pilate had confirmed it with the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. 46So Joseph bought a linen cloth, took down the body of Jesus, wrapped it in the cloth, and placed it in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb. 47Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Josephm saw where His body was placed. Footnotes: 1 a Or the whole Council 6 b Literally Now at the feast he would release to them 24 c See Psalm 22:18. 25 d That is, nine in the morning 27 e Or insurrectionists 27 f BYZ and TR include 28So the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “And He was numbered with the transgressors.” See Isaiah 53:12 and Luke 22:37. 33 g That is, from noon until three in the afternoon 34 h Psalm 22:1 36 i Or a sponge with wine vinegar 36 j See Psalm 69:21. 39 k BYZ and TR saw how, having cried out, He had breathed His last 40 l Joses is a variant of Joseph; see Matthew 27:56. 47 m Or Joses Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Mark 15 Summary The CrucifixionVerses 1–5 – Jesus Before Pilate Verses 6–15 – Barabbas Released, Jesus Condemned Verses 16–20 – Mocked by the Soldiers Verses 21–32 – The Crucifixion Verses 33–41 – The Death of Jesus Verses 42–47 – The Burial of Jesus Mark 15 recounts the harrowing final hours of Jesus Christ - His trial before Pilate, His crucifixion, death, and burial. This chapter portrays the depths of human cruelty contrasted with the magnitude of divine love. Amid the pain and sorrow, moments of faith and recognition stand out, marking the beginning of the understanding of Jesus' true victory. Historical Setting: Roman Justice, Jewish Leadership, and Passover • Trials at dawn violated Jewish norms (Deuteronomy 16:18–20), showing the urgency of the leaders. • Pilate’s role: governor from AD 26–36, known for harshness yet wary of riot (John 19:12). • Passover crowds in Jerusalem could swell to several hundred thousand; a disturbance over “a king” during this feast alarmed Rome. Archaeological Insights: Praetorium, Golgotha, and the Garden Tomb • Praetorium likely Herod’s palace on the western hill; pavement stones discovered show Roman game markings that match mock-king rituals. • Golgotha means “place of a skull” (v. 22). The Church of the Holy Sepulchre covers an ancient quarry outside the first-century city wall—consistent with John 19:20’s “near the city.” • First-century rolling-stone tombs carved into limestone hillsides match Mark 15:46. An unused tomb signified honor and fulfilled Isaiah 53:9. Prophetic Fulfillment and Scriptural Echoes • Silence before accusers reflects Isaiah 53:7. • Casting lots for garments fulfills Psalm 22:18. • “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” quotes Psalm 22:1, linking the psalm’s suffering-to-victory pattern with the cross. • Darkness echoes Amos 8:9: “I will make the sun go down at noon.” • Curtain torn (v. 38) signals open access to God, aligning with Hebrews 10:19–20. Key Themes: Innocence, Substitution, and Kingship • Innocence: Pilate and the centurion both highlight that Jesus did nothing deserving death (Mark 15:14, 39). • Substitution: Barabbas, the guilty, freed; Jesus, the innocent, condemned (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Kingship: Mockings and the sign over the cross affirm His royal identity, anticipating Revelation 19:16. Literary Structure and Vocabulary • Mark strings rapid scenes with “immediately,” yet slows at the crucifixion, inviting readers to linger. • Three groups taunt Jesus (passersby, priests, criminals), forming a chorus of unbelief. • The centurion’s confession breaks the pattern, providing the gospel’s climax. Character Profiles • Pilate: Politically savvy, fearful of unrest (Luke 23:22); ultimately washes his hands metaphorically, though not mentioned by Mark. • Barabbas: Name means “son of the father,” an ironic substitute for the true Son. • Simon of Cyrene: From modern Libya; his sons Alexander and Rufus likely became known in the early church (Romans 16:13). • Centurion: A Gentile who sees Jesus’ divine identity, foreshadowing worldwide mission (Acts 10). • Joseph of Arimathea: A respected council member “waiting for the kingdom of God” (v. 43), fulfills Isaiah 53:9 by providing the rich man’s tomb. Timeline of Good Friday (Approximate) • 6:00 a.m. – Sanhedrin decides and brings Jesus to Pilate. • 6:30–7:30 a.m. – Questioning before Pilate and Herod (Luke 23:6–12). • 8:00 a.m. – Jesus scourged and sentenced. • 9:00 a.m. – Crucifixion begins (“third hour,” v. 25). • Noon – Darkness covers the land. • 3:00 p.m. – Jesus dies. • 4:00–6:00 p.m. – Burial before Sabbath. Harmonizing the Gospels • Matthew 27 parallels Mark closely but adds Pilate’s hand-washing. • Luke 23 includes Jesus’ words to the penitent thief. • John 19 supplies Mary’s presence at the cross and the “It is finished” cry. Together, they paint a full picture: legal, physical, and spiritual dimensions of the crucifixion. Connections to New Testament Letters • Romans 3:25 – God presented Christ as an atoning sacrifice, matching the curtain’s tearing. • 1 Peter 2:24 – “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree,” reflecting Mark’s narrative. • Hebrews 12:2 – “For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame.” Practical Application: Living in Light of the Cross • Courageous faith: Joseph risks reputation; believers today step forward when the price is high. • Silent trust: Jesus speaks only when necessary, modeling restraint under injustice (1 Peter 2:23). • Servant leadership: True kingship looks like sacrificial service, not worldly power (Mark 10:45). Connections to Additional Scriptures Isaiah 53The prophecy of the suffering servant provides a backdrop to the events of Mark 15. Psalm 22 Jesus' cry from the cross echoes the opening of this psalm, which foretells His suffering. Romans 5:8 But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. This verse underscores the love demonstrated in Mark 15. Teaching Points The Trial Before PilateMark 15:1-15 describes Jesus being handed over to Pontius Pilate. Despite finding no fault in Him, Pilate succumbs to the crowd's demands, illustrating the weakness of human justice compared to divine justice. The Mocking of Jesus In verses 16-20, Jesus is mocked by the soldiers, clothed in a purple robe, and crowned with thorns. This mockery fulfills the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53. The Crucifixion Verses 21-32 detail the crucifixion at Golgotha. Jesus is crucified between two criminals, fulfilling the prophecy that He would be numbered with the transgressors (Isaiah 53:12). The Death of Jesus In verses 33-41, darkness covers the land, and Jesus cries out, My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? (Mark 15:34), signifying the weight of sin He bore. The Burial of Jesus Joseph of Arimathea courageously requests Jesus' body and lays it in a tomb (verses 42-47), setting the stage for the resurrection. Practical Applications Stand Firm in TruthLike Pilate, we may face pressure to conform to the crowd. We must stand firm in truth, even when it is unpopular. Recognize the Cost of Redemption Reflect on the immense suffering Jesus endured for our sins and let it deepen your gratitude and commitment to Him. Embrace Humility Jesus' willingness to be mocked and humiliated challenges us to embrace humility and serve others selflessly. Trust in God's Sovereignty Despite the apparent chaos, God's plan was being fulfilled. Trust that God is sovereign over the circumstances in your life. People 1. JesusThe central figure of the chapter, Jesus is the one being tried, crucified, and ultimately buried. In the Greek, His name is Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), which is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation." 2. Pontius Pilate The Roman governor who presides over the trial of Jesus. Pilate is depicted as a figure who, despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, succumbs to the pressure of the crowd. His name in Greek is Πιλᾶτος (Pilatos). 3. Barabbas A prisoner who was released instead of Jesus. His name in Greek is Βαραββᾶς (Barabbas), which may mean "son of the father" or "son of a teacher." 4. The Chief Priests Religious leaders who accuse Jesus and stir up the crowd to demand His crucifixion. In Greek, they are referred to as ἀρχιερεῖς (archiereis). 5. The Crowd The group of people present at Jesus' trial who demand His crucifixion and the release of Barabbas. The Greek term used is ὄχλος (ochlos). 6. The Soldiers Roman soldiers who mock, beat, and ultimately crucify Jesus. They are referred to in Greek as στρατιῶται (stratiōtai). 7. Simon of Cyrene The man compelled to carry Jesus' cross. His name in Greek is Σίμων (Simōn), and he is identified as coming from Cyrene, a city in North Africa. 8. The Two Robbers Two criminals crucified alongside Jesus. In Greek, they are called λῃσταί (lēstai), meaning "robbers" or "bandits." 9. The Centurion A Roman officer who, upon witnessing Jesus' death, declares, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" His title in Greek is κεντυρίων (kentyriōn). 10. Mary Magdalene One of the women who witnessed the crucifixion and later the burial of Jesus. Her name in Greek is Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνή (Maria hē Magdalēnē). 11. Mary, the mother of James the younger and of Joses Another woman present at the crucifixion. Her name in Greek is Μαρία (Maria). 12. Salome A woman who is also present at the crucifixion. Her name in Greek is Σαλώμη (Salōmē). 13. Joseph of Arimathea A respected member of the Council who requests Jesus' body for burial. His name in Greek is Ἰωσὴφ ἀπὸ Ἁριμαθαίας (Iōsēph apo Harimathaias). Places 1. The PraetoriumDescription: The Praetorium is the governor's headquarters where Jesus was taken to be mocked and beaten by the Roman soldiers. In Mark 15:16, it states, "Then the soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called the whole company together." The term "Praetorium" comes from the Latin "praetorium," referring to the official residence of a Roman governor. 2. Golgotha Description: Golgotha is the place where Jesus was crucified. Mark 15:22 says, "They brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha, which means The Place of the Skull." The name "Golgotha" is derived from the Aramaic word "gulgulta," meaning "skull." It is traditionally believed to be a hill outside Jerusalem's walls. 3. Jerusalem Description: While not explicitly named in Mark 15, Jerusalem is the overarching location where these events occur. The city is the center of Jewish religious life and the site of the Temple. The events of Jesus' trial and crucifixion take place in and around Jerusalem. Events 1. Jesus Before PilateEarly in the morning, the chief priests, elders, and scribes, along with the whole Sanhedrin, bound Jesus and delivered Him to Pilate. Pilate questions Jesus, asking, "Are You the King of the Jews?" to which Jesus responds, "You have said so" (Mark 15:2). The Greek phrase "σὺ λέγεις" (su legeis) is a form of affirmation. 2. Pilate's Dilemma Pilate is amazed that Jesus does not respond to the many accusations against Him (Mark 15:3-5). The Greek word "θαυμάζω" (thaumazō) indicates Pilate's astonishment at Jesus' silence. 3. The Crowd Chooses Barabbas During the feast, Pilate offers to release a prisoner, and the crowd chooses Barabbas over Jesus (Mark 15:6-11). The name "Barabbas" in Aramaic means "son of the father," highlighting the irony of the crowd's choice. 4. Jesus is Scourged and Mocked Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, releases Barabbas and has Jesus scourged and handed over to be crucified (Mark 15:15). The Greek term "φραγελλόω" (phragellóō) refers to the severe Roman flogging. 5. The Soldiers Mock Jesus The soldiers lead Jesus into the Praetorium, dress Him in a purple robe, and place a crown of thorns on His head, mocking Him as "King of the Jews" (Mark 15:16-20). The Greek "ἐμπαίζω" (empaizō) means to mock or ridicule. 6. The Crucifixion Jesus is led to Golgotha, meaning "Place of the Skull," and is crucified between two robbers (Mark 15:22-27). The Greek "σταυρόω" (stauroō) means to crucify, indicating the method of execution. 7. The Inscription of the Charge The inscription of the charge against Him reads, "The King of the Jews" (Mark 15:26). This title, written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, signifies the official reason for His execution. 8. The Mocking at the Cross Passersby, chief priests, and scribes mock Jesus, challenging Him to save Himself and come down from the cross (Mark 15:29-32). The Greek "καταβαίνω" (katabainō) means to come down, emphasizing their taunt. 9. The Death of Jesus At the ninth hour, Jesus cries out, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34). This Aramaic phrase reflects Psalm 22:1, expressing deep anguish. 10. The Curtain of the Temple Torn Upon Jesus' death, the curtain of the temple is torn in two from top to bottom (Mark 15:38). The Greek "σχίζω" (schizō) means to split or tear, symbolizing the new access to God. 11. The Centurion's Declaration A centurion, witnessing Jesus' death, declares, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" (Mark 15:39). The Greek "ἀληθῶς" (alēthōs) means truly or certainly, affirming Jesus' divine identity. 12. The Burial of Jesus Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, requests Jesus' body from Pilate and lays it in a tomb (Mark 15:42-47). The Greek "ἐνταφιάζω" (entaphiazō) refers to the act of burial. Topics 1. Jesus Before PilateMark 15 begins with Jesus being brought before Pontius Pilate. The chief priests accuse Him of many things, but Jesus remains largely silent, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7. Pilate questions Jesus about being the King of the Jews, to which Jesus responds affirmatively (Mark 15:2). The Greek term "Basileus" (βασιλεύς) is used for "King," emphasizing Jesus' royal authority. 2. The Crowd Chooses Barabbas Pilate offers to release a prisoner, as was customary during the feast. The crowd chooses Barabbas, a known insurrectionist, over Jesus (Mark 15:6-15). This choice highlights the rejection of the true Messiah in favor of a political rebel. The name "Barabbas" means "son of the father," contrasting with Jesus, the true Son of the Father. 3. The Soldiers Mock Jesus After the decision to crucify Jesus, Roman soldiers mock Him by dressing Him in a purple robe and placing a crown of thorns on His head (Mark 15:16-20). They sarcastically salute Him as "King of the Jews," further fulfilling the mockery prophesied in the Old Testament. 4. The Crucifixion of Jesus Jesus is led to Golgotha, meaning "Place of the Skull," where He is crucified (Mark 15:21-32). The act of crucifixion is a fulfillment of Psalm 22, which describes the suffering of the Messiah. The inscription of the charge against Him reads, "The King of the Jews" (Mark 15:26), again affirming His identity. 5. The Death of Jesus Darkness falls over the land, and Jesus cries out, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34). This cry is a direct quotation from Psalm 22:1, expressing the depth of His suffering and abandonment. 6. The Burial of Jesus After Jesus' death, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, courageously asks Pilate for Jesus' body. He wraps it in linen and lays it in a tomb cut out of rock (Mark 15:42-47). This act fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9, which speaks of the Messiah being with the rich in His death. Each of these topics reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the theological significance of Jesus' passion, death, and burial. The use of specific Greek terms and references to Hebrew scriptures underscores the continuity of the biblical narrative. Themes 1. The Trial of JesusMark 15 begins with Jesus being brought before Pilate. This theme highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and the innocence of Jesus amidst false accusations. The Greek term "παραδίδωμι" (paradidōmi), meaning "to hand over" or "betray," is significant here, as it underscores the betrayal and unjust treatment Jesus faced. 2. The Mockery of Jesus The soldiers mock Jesus, dressing Him in a purple robe and placing a crown of thorns on His head. This theme emphasizes the humiliation and suffering Jesus endured. The Greek word "ἐμπαίζω" (empaizō), meaning "to mock," reflects the scorn and derision directed at Jesus. 3. The Crucifixion The crucifixion is central to Mark 15, depicting the physical and spiritual agony Jesus experienced. The term "σταυρόω" (stauroō), meaning "to crucify," is crucial, as it signifies the method of execution that fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's suffering. 4. The Fulfillment of Scripture Throughout the chapter, various events fulfill Old Testament prophecies, such as the division of Jesus' garments. This theme underscores the divine plan and the reliability of Scripture. The Greek word "πληρόω" (plēroō), meaning "to fulfill," is key in understanding the prophetic significance. 5. The Death of Jesus Jesus' death is a pivotal moment, marking the atonement for sin. The tearing of the temple veil symbolizes the new access to God through Christ. The Greek term "τελέω" (teleō), meaning "to complete" or "to finish," highlights the completion of Jesus' earthly mission. 6. The Burial of Jesus Joseph of Arimathea's request for Jesus' body and His subsequent burial fulfill Jewish customs and further prophecy. This theme points to the reality of Jesus' death and the preparation for His resurrection. The Greek word "ἐνταφιάζω" (entaphiazō), meaning "to bury," emphasizes the care and respect given to Jesus in death. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can the midday darkness (Mark 15:33) be scientifically or historically explained if no external records confirm it? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What can we learn from Jesus' silence before Pilate when facing false accusations? 2. Why do you think the crowd chose to release Barabbas instead of Jesus? 3. How does the mockery Jesus endured reflect on human cruelty and prejudice? 4. Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry Jesus' cross. How do we bear our crosses in life? 5. How might the soldiers' casting lots for Jesus' clothing inform a believer's view on indifference towards suffering? 6. How does Jesus' cry of despair on the cross deepen our understanding of His humanity and suffering? 7. What is the significance of the temple curtain being torn in two at the moment of Jesus' death? 8. How does the centurion's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God demonstrate faith born out of witnessing Jesus' endurance? 9. What can we learn from Joseph of Arimathea's act of respect and bravery? 10. How does Mark's description of Jesus' death contrast with common societal views of power and victory? 11. How might the maltreatment of Jesus inform our understanding and response to injustice and suffering today? 12. How can the compassion and help of Simon of Cyrene guide us in offering help to others? 13. How does the death of Jesus challenge our understanding of sacrifice and love? 14. In what ways do the mocking words of the bystanders at the cross reflect our own doubts and tests of faith? 15. How can the reactions of the women at the crucifixion guide us in responding to personal grief and loss? 16. How does the faith of the centurion challenge our own faith experiences? 17. In what ways can we provide dignity and respect to others like Joseph of Arimathea did for Jesus? 18. How does Mark 15 reshape our understanding of the cost of redemption? 19. What role does courage play in the actions of characters like Simon, the centurion, and Joseph of Arimathea? 20. How might the faith displayed by various characters in Mark 15 inspire us in our personal journey of faith? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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